Florence County assistance programs

Resources and organizations that people can turn to for help

If people need aid, there are several options for families and individuals in the area. They include Lighthouse Ministries and the Pee Dee Community Action Partnership. Learn more about these non-profits and the programs and resources they offer to both low and moderate income people.

Lighthouse Ministries - This organization helped almost 900 people people last year. Most of those who received assistance never had to previously ask for help, but they started to struggle recently from current economic and financial hardships. Lighthouse Ministries offers a variety of resources and services that some other local and national charitable organizations don’t always provide, like assistance paying utility bills. They also can provide funds for prescription medicines, money to help someone make a rent payment, and even money for mortgages. In addition, they have other programs, such as one that will provide people with free diapers. Contact them at 201 E. Elm Street, Florence, South Carolina 29506, or call them at 843.629.0830. Also, click here to find additional ways to get mortgage help.

Pee Dee Community Action Partnership - This is the local community action agency. They also offer residents several different programs and services, including those mentioned below. Contact them at 2685 S. Irby Street, Florence, SC 29505, Telephone: (843) 678-3400 to apply or learn more.

 

 

 

• Low Income Energy Assistance Program - The Pee Dee agency administers this federal government program, which will provide people with help for paying their heating and utility bills. Funds are distributed on a first come, first serve basis. There is also an emergency component, which will ensure people get money to pay their bills if they are facing a disconnection, or if they are running out of heating fuel.
   
• General Emergency Assistance program- This will provide low and moderate income people with grants that can be used to pay for emergency expenses and costs, such as rent, medicines, and other expenses. Funding is limited, and both the federal and state government help fund this program.
   
• Homeless Assistance - For individuals who are homeless or facing an eviction, support is also available for you as well. They can arrange shelters or emergency funds that can be used to prevent an eviction.
   
• Medically Indigent Assistance Program - This offers assistance with hospital bills and medical expenses to inpatient residents of South Carolina who need hospitalization or medical care. The applicant can’t have health insurance, or they need to be underinsured. Both the state and county governments and general hospitals in the area fund the program. Find additional hospital bill assistance programs.
   
• Employment opportunities - They can provide people with resources to help them find a job, including resume review, counseling, and access to information for job seekers.