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Charleston County, SC – Financial Assistance Programs.
Charleston County has one of the strongest nonprofit safety nets in South Carolina (with programs listed below), built around a core group of well-funded agencies that handle the bulk of emergency requests. The most important thing to know upfront: most bill and material assistance in Charleston flows through the ShelterNet network, which means you apply through a partner social service agency — not directly to ShelterNet itself.
If you live east of the Cooper River — Mt. Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, or nearby communities — East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) is the region's leading full-service nonprofit and should usually be your first call. For North Charleston and the broader Tri-County area, Neighbors Together and the Palmetto Community Action Partnership (CCHSC) handle the highest volume of requests. Whichever agency you contact, be prepared to bring photo ID, proof of income, and a copy of your overdue bill or eviction notice — nearly all programs require these, and having them ready will speed up your case significantly.
Start Here — Find Help Fast
Don't know where to start? Call 2-1-1 (free, 24/7) — South Carolina's helpline will connect you to the right local program.
- Need help with rent or utility bills, anywhere in the county? Call a ShelterNet partner. If you're unsure which one, start with CCHSC/Palmetto Community Action (843) 724-6760 or Salvation Army (843) 747-5271.
- Live east of the Cooper River (Mt. Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island)? → ECCO is your best first call: (843) 849-9220
- Facing eviction or homelessness? → One80 Place Homeless Connection Line: (843) 737-8357
- Senior (60+) or a caregiver? → Trident Area Agency on Aging: (843) 554-2275
- Need food now? → Neighbors Together (N. Charleston): (843) 747-1788 | ECCO (Mt. Pleasant): (843) 849-9220
- Child with a serious illness or birth defect? → Carolina Children's Charity: (843) 224-7723
- Need debt, mortgage, or foreclosure help? → Origin SC: (843) 628-3000 | Charleston Trident Urban League: (843) 769-8173
- Need free items? → Some local organizations provide free stuff. They can be either charitable programs or from government benefits. Learn more on where to get free stuff in Charleston County SC area.
- Trident United Way → Coordinates a broad network of social service resources, grants, and referrals for families and individuals across the region. Call 2-1-1 or the direct line below, or use their online resource finder. (843) 740-9000 | or dial 2-1-1. https://www.tuw.org/find-resources. As if If you don't know which partner to call, dial 2-1-1 first; South Carolina's 2-1-1 line will match you with the right referral organization based on your situation and zip code, and is available 24/7..
- For a full listing of rent and housing programs, see our Charleston housing and rent assistance guide and our transitional housing and homeless shelters in Charleston County page.
Broad Emergency Assistance — Rent, Utilities & More
These organizations each serve multiple needs — rent, utilities, food, clothing, and referrals — and are typically the best first stop for a household in crisis. Most serve all of Charleston County unless noted.
ShelterNet (Humanities Foundation)
ShelterNet is Charleston's primary safety net for keeping families housed and connected to utilities. It pays one-time past-due rent, mortgage, or utility balances for income-qualified residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. You must apply through a ShelterNet Referral Organization (SRO) — clients cannot contact ShelterNet directly. If you don't have an assigned SRO, start with 2-1-1 or CCHSC (listed below) to get a referral. Recipients can receive assistance once within a 12-month period. (843) 856-4120. 474 Wando Park Blvd, Suite 102, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. See https://www.humanitiesfoundation.org/shelternet — partner list and application info
East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO); East of Cooper River only
ECCO is the leading full-service nonprofit for Mt. Pleasant and surrounding communities east of the Cooper River. Emergency financial assistance is available for rent and utility bills. They also operate a free food pantry, free clothing closet, low-cost medical care, free dental cleanings, and prescription assistance through pharmaceutical patient assistance programs. Financial literacy coaching and budgeting support are available. Services require income qualification; bring ID and proof of income. (843) 849-9220. 1145 Six Mile Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466. All of Charleston County SC is supported. ECCO is a leading non-profit in the region. See https://neighborstogethersc.org/.
Neighbors Together Tri-County; emphasis on N. Charleston
Formerly Tricounty Family Ministries, Neighbors Together is one of the largest full-service nonprofits in the Tri-County area. They serve hot meals Monday–Thursday, run a food pantry and clothing closet, offer emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, provide medical care, transitional shelter, job training, legal assistance, and prescription advocacy. Case managers can also connect residents with longer-term self-sufficiency programs. (843) 747-1788. 2105 Cosgrove Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405. See https://neighborstogethersc.org/.
Palmetto Community Action Partnership (Charleston County Human Services Commission / CCHSC)
A leading community action agency serving Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Assistance includes help paying electric, water, and rental bills, as well as possible security deposit help. They administer the federal LIHEAP energy assistance program and offer free home weatherization — insulation, weather stripping, caulking, and other energy upgrades — at no cost to income-eligible homeowners, reducing future utility bills by hundreds of dollars annually. Free food, SNAP referrals, Medicaid enrollment help, and job training are also available. (843) 724-6760. 1069 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
- Project Pride, operated at the same number, helps low-income residents of the Tri-County area overcome employment barriers through job skills training, computer access, and resume support.
Salvation Army – Charleston County
Emergency assistance for rent (must be within 5 days of due date or currently late) ⚠ income & 60-day income drop documentation required, utility bills, and cooling help — including free window fans or AC units for seniors. Free food pantry is available (note: not available if you currently receive SNAP benefits). Also offers free clothing, household items, school supplies, and toys or gifts at Christmas. Referrals to the Benefit Bank site for government benefits screening. (843) 747-5271. 2135 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29407. See https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/charleston.
One80 Place (formerly Crisis Ministries)
One80 Place is one of the largest homeless service providers in the Lowcountry, serving over 2,600 people annually. They operate an emergency shelter with case management, onsite medical care, legal services, and connections to permanent affordable housing. Veterans experiencing homelessness receive specialized support through a VA partnership. If you need help, do not go to 573 Meeting St — that building has been demolished. Contact the Homeless Connection Line below or go directly to 35 Walnut St. Main: (843) 723-9477. 35 Walnut St, Charleston, SC 29403. See https://www.one80place.org/. Or Homeless Connection Line: (843) 737-8357 (if unsheltered in Lowcountry)
World Overcomers Ministries
Provides referrals to ShelterNet and other nonprofits for emergency rent and utility help. A Goodwill clothing voucher is also available. (843) 746-9536. 6060 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406
Charleston County Department of Social Services
Processes applications for government benefits including SNAP food stamps, TANF cash assistance, LIHEAP utility bill help, Medicaid, EBT cards, childcare vouchers, and job training programs. See our full guide to public assistance in Charleston County.
St. Vincent de Paul at Christ Our King Catholic Church Mt. Pleasant zip 29464 only
Financial assistance with utility bills, rent, and other emergency expenses for Mt. Pleasant residents in zip code 29464, from the Cooper River up to Six Mile Road. Leave a message and your call will be returned. SVdP Help Line: (843) 727-1579. Church office: (843) 884-5587. 1149 Russell Dr, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Sea Islands — Johns, James & Wadmalaw Islands
These organizations specifically serve the Sea Islands communities southwest of Charleston. Residents of these areas should call these agencies first before trying countywide programs.
Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) Community Outreach — Johns Island James, Johns & Wadmalaw Islands only
OLM provides emergency financial help with rent, utilities, and moving costs — available once per year per household. ⚠ Once per 12 months. Food pantry and clothing closet access is available once every two months. GED preparation classes and Benefit Bank counseling are also offered — a counselor can help determine eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, CHIP, and other programs. Call (843) 805-8064 (for Johns Island & Neighborhood House) or (843) 559-4109. 1684 Brownswood Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455. View https://olmoutreach.org/.
OLM Neighborhood House — Downtown Charleston Walk-in location; countywide referrals
The Neighborhood House is now operated by Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach and has moved to downtown Charleston. Services include a free food pantry, clothing closet, emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, GED prep, basic skills and computer training, and a free soup kitchen open five days per week. (843) 805-8064. 77 America St, Charleston, SC 29403
Stella Maris Catholic Church — Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sullivan's Island & Isle of Palms
Emergency help with rent, utility bills, prescriptions, and mortgages for residents of Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms. Free groceries, food vouchers, and diapers are also available. All calls are returned within 24 hours and are completely confidential. SVdP Helpline: (843) 814-1229 or Church office: (843) 883-3108. 1204 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482
Housing, Home Repair & Homeownership
Operation Home Tri-County area
Repairs and modifies homes for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities — focusing on households with children, seniors, and those with mobility limitations. Services include roof and floor repairs, wheelchair ramps, bathroom modifications, and window replacement. A Heat Relief Program provides free window AC units to income-eligible households in summer who have no other way to cool their home. (843) 212-8936. 3973 Rivers Ave, Suite 104, North Charleston, SC 29405. See http://operationhome.org/.
Charleston Trident Urban League
Assists minority and underserved residents with rental assistance, homeless prevention grants, fair housing advocacy, landlord/tenant mediation, financial coaching for first-time homebuyers, and workforce development. Seasonal VITA free tax preparation is available by appointment. Also helps with work clothes, gas cards for interviews, and credit counseling.
(843) 769-8173. 2133 N Hillside Dr, Charleston, SC 29407. See https://www.ctul.org/.
Seniors, Children & Specialized Populations
Trident Area Agency on Aging Age 60+ and their caregivers
Serves seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Core services include information and referral, Medicare/SHIIP counseling (unbiased insurance help), family caregiver support, long-term care ombudsman advocacy, and home-delivered meals for eligible homebound seniors. Direct financial assistance is very limited, but the agency is an excellent connector to other programs — including Meals on Wheels, senior housing options, and benefit enrollment. Toll-free line available. (843) 554-2275 | Toll-free: 1-800-894-0415. 5895 Core Rd, Suite 419, North Charleston, SC 29406. View https://tridentaaa.org/.
Carolina Children's Charity Children 18 & under in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton & Dorchester counties
Provides financial grants to families with children who have birth defects or childhood diseases. Assistance covers medically necessary equipment, therapies, prescription medications, eyeglasses, and other care costs directly tied to the child's diagnosis. All payments go directly to providers and vendors — not to the family as cash. Conditions served range from asthma and juvenile diabetes to cerebral palsy and cancer. (843) 224-7723. PO Box 30068, Charleston, SC 29417. View https://www.carolinachildren.org/.
Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston
Provides emergency food assistance, Meals on Wheels for homebound residents, and free mental health counseling, with particular focus on senior citizens and people with disabilities. Services are open to all — not limited to the Jewish community. (843) 614-6494. 176 Croghan Spur Rd, Suite 103, Charleston, SC 29407. View https://www.charlestonjfs.org/.
Telamon Corporation – Trident Migrant & seasonal agricultural workers only
Serves migrant and seasonal farmworkers with food, employment services, job training, and financial assistance — which may include hardship grants for rent and utilities. Located at the SC Works Charleston employment center. (843) 574-1864. 1930 Hanahan Rd, Suite 200, North Charleston, SC 29406. View https://www.telamon.org/.
Old Fort Baptist Church – CIFC Program Northern Charleston County
Operates an onsite medical clinic and food pantry serving the northern Charleston County area. Volunteer doctors and dentists provide free care for homeless and low-income residents, including dental cleanings and exams. Services for domestic violence victims and free hygiene supplies are also available. The CIFC community outreach program meets on Mondays. (843) 873-2283. 10505 Dorchester Rd, Summerville, SC 29485
Financial Counseling, Debt Relief & Mortgage Help
Origin SC (formerly Family Services, Inc.)
HUD-certified nonprofit offering one-on-one financial coaching, homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention counseling, credit improvement, debt management, reverse mortgage counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and student loan counseling. They do not provide direct cash grants or bill payments, but their licensed counselors help clients develop concrete plans to stabilize their finances and housing. Serving the Tri-County area and statewide. (843) 628-3000. 8084 Rivers Ave, Suite 100, North Charleston, SC 29406. View https://www.originsc.org/.
Charleston Trident Urban League — Foreclosure & Debt Counseling
HUD-certified housing counselors help homeowners facing foreclosure understand their options, negotiate with lenders, and connect with attorney resources, pro bono legal aid, and mortgage assistance programs. Also helps with credit card debt, payday loans, car title loans, and budgeting. Referrals to property tax assistance and homebuying closing cost help are available. (843) 769-8173. 2133 N Hillside Dr, Charleston, SC 29407. View https://www.ctul.org/.
Catholic Charities of South Carolina – Coastal Office
The Coastal office offers the Getting Ahead financial literacy and life skills program (based on the Bridges Out of Poverty framework), the Save a Smile dental program providing dentures and dental care for those with missing or nonfunctional teeth, and a partnership with Neighbors Together for additional referrals. For statewide programs including immigration legal services and disaster relief, see the main office. (843) 531-5570. 134 St. Philip St., Cottage Apt, Charleston, SC 29403. Main office: (843) 808-3797
Real experiences from Charleston area residents
Visit the Charleston SC community forum — a moderated space where local residents share tips, post recent experiences with these agencies, flag program changes, and help each other find resources. You may find otherorganizations in the Charleston SC forum that help struggling people. It's a valuable complement to the listings above, especially for up-to-date wait time info and lesser-known local programs.
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