Charleston County region Human Services Commission assistance programs.
The Charleston County South Carolina region, and nearby counties such as Berkeley, and Dorchester, are supported by the Charleston County Human Services Commission. Receive help with utility bills from Project Share and LIHEAP, food, help for paying rent and water bills, free government grants, and other low income assistance programs. The non-profit also serves as the community action agency and addresses a number of basic needs.
Free government grant programs to help with bills
One program for energy bills is LIHEAP ECIP. This is a crisis program intended to prevent a disconnection of power. For those that qualify, more than likely a credit will be placed on their utility account to their existing bill.
The program is funded from the federal government and provides assistance to thousands of South Carolina households annually. When funding is allotted to the program, LIHEAP provides assistance in three categories, which include.
- Crisis Energy Assistance, or ECIP, provides financial assistance to qualified very low income households. They will gain help in resolving an emergency situation, such as those facing disconnection of services or that have received a final notice. Eligible participants may receive a credit on their account. More on South Carolina LIHEAP.
- The Regular Energy Bill Assistance in Charleston South Carolina was designed to assist eligible participants with the increasing cost of paying for their monthly utility bill. Sometimes a grant will be applied to their account once per year. Priority from the Human Services Commission and government is for families with children, the disabled, or seniors.
Outreach Services from Charleston County Human Services Commission (CCHSC) is another form of emergency financial assistance for water and electric bills as well as rent or food expenses. This aid can cover Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties residents. Since funding is limited, some residents may be issued a loan for their needs. Help is also available for other needs as well, such as security deposits or critical medical needs. 843-724-6760.
There are two other primary programs available. One is Good Neighbor, which is a fund for the prevention of water service disconnection. The second is just called direct assistance. To apply for either of these, several conditions needs to be met. They include social security numbers for all members of the household, proof of monthly income, a copy of a delinquent utility bill, and more. Applicants must be clients of Charleston Water System or a South Carolina based utility provider.
Charleston County Human Services Commission provides general emergency assistance in the region, including Dorchester County. Medical care, emergency shelter, food, eviction prevention, and housing or rent assistance may be offered.
A housing division from CCHSC provides eviction prevention and emergency rental help. Funds may also be for utility reconnection or other security deposits. The non-profit will offer assistance to homeless families from the New Promise Program. It was initially created for the chronically homeless individuals in the area. It can also help by coordinating affordable housing and apartments for individuals and families who meet the income guidelines. Main number is 843-724-6760.
Project Share is for SC&G customers in Charleston, Dorchester and nearby counties. It offers various forms of assistance to low-income customers for paying winter heating bills and/or in some cases air conditioning expenses during the summer. Many seniors, families with a medical condition, and the less fortunate get help from this Charleston County Human Services Commission program.
Home repairs can address needs such as infiltration, insulation, and minor repairs of condos and homes. The goal is to help families in Charleston, Berkeley, Beaufort, and even Jasper counties conserve energy and make their homes safe. It is a weatherization type program for those that qualify. In case cases, Human Service will issue a forgivable loan for the repairs or home modifications. Telephone - 843-720-5336.
Government grants can also help pay for home repairs. There may be help for low-income families, senior citizens, The Charleston County area community action agency will have information on programs, or even low cost or interest free loans. There may be help to pay for repairs of a roof, flood damage, foundations and more. Locate free home repair grants for low-income families.
Charleston County Human Services Commission employment and educational resources
Job placement is part of Project Pride. It will remove barriers to employment in the area by providing the necessary resources for low-income residents of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. Case managers and community action agency staff will help clients succeed in the job search or job application process. Seminars and workshops can be held too in the area. Find additional job training programs in South Carolina.
Free government job training is offered too, most of which is part of Workforce Development. The Charleston and Tri-County Community action agency has information on WIOA in Berkeley, Dorchester, as well as Charleston County. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act can provide information on job fairs or help clients get new skills, such as in coding or health care. There are also case workers that can help disadvantaged (minorities, elderly, veterans, etc.) or underskilled people find a new job with living wages. Learn more on WIOA programs in South Carolina.
Youth Education Enrichment helps teens in the area. Charleston County Human Services Commission can pass out summer school vouchers, school supplies and uniforms, and more. Another focus is on helping students and children gain stability.
Contact information for Charleston County Human Services Commission programs
There are multiple application site and office of the community action agency, including in Dorchester, Charleston, and Berkeley County. Locations of the Charleston County Human Services Commission are as follows.
- 1069 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403, call 843-724-6760
- Berkeley County center is at 100 South Highway 52, Moncks Corner, South Carolina 29461, telephone number - 843-761-6935
- Dorchester County office is at SC Works. The center is at 2885 West 5th North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. Main number is 843-832-7053
- St George center - 201 Johnston Street, St. George, South Carolina 29477, telephone number is 843-636-9090
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