South Carolina Employment
South Carolina Affordable Rentals
South Carolina Homeless Shelters, Food Pantries and More
SOUTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE

South Carolina Happenings

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU

ALSO:

If you would like to add information to this page please feel free to contact me at:

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION AND HOURS HAVE CHANGED TO:

1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DISASTER RESPONSE RELATED MATERALS ARE NOW ON OUR NEW “SOUTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE” PAGE!

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South Carolina Head Start
Managing Agency South Carolina http://www.sc.gov/
Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of South Carolina and a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school.

In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $14,521
2 $19,669
3 $24,817
4 $29,965
5 $35,113
6 $40,261
7 $45,409
8 $50,557
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,148 per additional person.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
If you would like to speak with a State representative regarding the program, you can call the South Carolina Head Start Collaboration Office at (803) 898-2550 or visit: http://childcare.sc.gov/main/general/programs/headstart.aspx

Posted 04-09-12

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South Carolina Partners for Healthy Children
Managing Agency South Carolina http://www.sc.gov/
Program Description
Partners for Healthy Children is a health insurance program for children who live in South Carolina. It provides free health care to children in families with low income. The program does not provide any coverage for the adults in the household but the income of the entire family is considered in the deciding if the children are eligible for services. The income of the household must be less than or equal to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level as published annually in the Federal Register. Covered Medical Services include doctor’s visits, dental services, vision care, prescription drugs and hospital inpatient, outpatient and emergency care.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of South Carolina, under 19 years of age or be a primary care giver with a child under the age of 19 or be pregnant, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, and you must have an annual household income before taxes of less than $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three people live in the household; $44,100 if four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six people live in the household; $66,540 if seven people live in the household; $74,020 if eight people live in the household; and $81,496 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,480 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state’s program information for details.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
Partners for Healthy Children applications are available at Department of Health and Environmental Control clinics, local Department of Health and Human Services offices, and other locations.

An application can also be mailed to you by calling (888)549-0820 or you may mail the application to:
South Carolina Centralized Eligibility Processing
PO Box 100101
Columbia, SC 29202-3101

You may also download an application at:

http://www.scdhhs.gov/openpublic/Q&As.asp

Program Contact Information
For more information, visit: http://www.scdhhs.gov/openpublic/InsideDHHS/Bureaus/EligiblityPolicyAndOversight/Partners%20for%20Health%20(Medicaid)%20Program.asp

Updated 03-28-12

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South Carolina School Breakfast and Lunch Program

Managing Agency South Carolina http://www.sc.gov/

Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each day. Similarly, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s children by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards. Both programs are administered by the South Carolina Department of Education, Office of School Food Services and Nutrition.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of South Carolina and a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; $68,469 if eight people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child’s school.

Program Contact Information

You can also contact your child’s school to find out what meals are served and how to apply for free or reduced price school meals.

For additional information about the South Carolina School Breakfast and Lunch Programs and to identify whom to speak with if you have questions, please visit:http://ed.sc.gov/agency/os/Health-and-Nutrition/

Updated 11-04-11

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Festivals and Fun Times:

South Carolina, North Augusta
Dixie National
Dates: April 27, 2012 – April 29, 2012
Location: The Hippodrome
North Augusta, SC
Aiken County

South Carolina, Myrtle Beach
Antiques Roadshow
Dates: June 23, 2012 – June 23, 2012
Location: Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Myrtle Beach, SC
Horry County

South Carolina, Greenville
Lady Antebellum
Lady Antebellum Dates: June 23, 2012 – June 23, 2012
Location: Bi-Lo Center
Greenville, SC
Greenville County
Event Hours: 7pm

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South Carolina Special Milk Program

Managing Agency South Carolina http://www.sc.gov/

Program Description
The Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have access to a school meals program. The program reimburses schools and institutions for the milk they serve.

General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of South Carolina, your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program.

http://ed.sc.gov/agency/os/Health-and-Nutrition/

Program Contact Information

To learn more about the South Carolina Special Milk Program (SMP), please contact the State Department of Social Services at: 803-898-7601

Or send an e-mail to:
AskDSS@dss.state.sc.us

You may also contact your local school district if you have other inquiries regarding the program.

Updated 09-08-11

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MSRRC is one of six Regional Resource Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. MSRRC provides technical assistance to state early intervention lead agencies, departments of education and other related state agencies. The Centers work to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, birth through 21 years, and their families. Find resources for parents and educators in your state.

For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/south_carolina/education

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Program Description
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides Direct Assistance for Heating and Cooling; Emergency Crisis
Assistance Program (ECAP) for Heating and Cooling; and Supplemental Funding for the Low-Income Weatherization Program
(WAP). LIHEAP is a Federal emergency assistance block grant funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of South Carolina, you must need financial assistance
for home energy costs and your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $16,245 if one person lives in the
household; $21,855 if two people live in the household; $27,465 if three people live in the household; $33,075 if four people live in the
household; $38,685 if five people live in the household; $44,295 if six people live in the household; $49,905 if seven people live in the
household; and $55,515 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,545 for each additional person in the
home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the low income energy assistance program:

http://www.govoepp.state.sc.us/oeo/caa.htm

Program Contact Information
For more information about this program, please visit:

http://liheap.ncat.org/profiles/SC.htm

Managing Agency
South Carolina

http://www.sc.gov/

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Program Description
The Food Stamp Program has served as the foundation of America’s national nutrition safety net, working to end hunger and
improve the health of low-income people by helping families buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. In South
Carolina over 100,000 households depend on the Food Stamp Program each month to get the food they need for good health. Food
Stamp Program benefits give a person or family more buying power at the grocery store. The benefits are not intended to cover all
of a family’s food costs, but will lessen the amount of income that must be used toward groceries each month. Families, people
living alone, and people living with roommates use food stamps. People who are homeless can get food stamps, too. People of all
ages use food stamps.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of South Carolina and fall into one of two groups: (1)
those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings
and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the
household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the
household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
For more information on the South Carolina Food Stamp program and instructions on how to apply, please visit:

http://dss.sc.gov/content/customers/food/foodstamp/index.aspx

E-mail inquiries can be sent to:
AskDSS@dss.state.sc.us

Please call the Food-Stamp hotline to speak with a DSS representative:
800-768-5700

You can also identify and contact your local county Department of Social Service (DSS) office by checking:

http://www.state.sc.us/dss/counties.html

Managing Agency
South Carolina

http://www.sc.gov/

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Program Description
Thousands of children in South Carolina depend on meals at school for the nutrition they need to learn and grow. Their need for good
food doesn’t end when school gets out. The Summer Food Service Program meets this need by offering free meals to these kids
during the months they’re on vacation from school.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of South Carolina, your household’s annual income
before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if
three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if
six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Summer Food Service program, contact the site nearest you:

http://dss.sc.gov/content/customers/food/sfsp/map.aspx

Program Contact Information
To learn more about the South Carolina SFSP please visit:

http://dss.sc.gov/content/customers/food/sfsp/index.aspx

If you would like to learn more about the Summer Food Service Program, contact Caressa Louallen at:
803-898-0978

Managing Agency
South Carolina

http://www.sc.gov/

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Program Description
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant,
breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. WIC impacts the
health of mothers and children in the medically needy population. Optimal nutritional status during pregnancy and early childhood
provides the best chance for the future of South Carolinians. The program is administered by the South Carolina Department of
Health and Environmental Control, the Division of WIC.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of South Carolina, pregnant, breastfeeding and
postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition
risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family
members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:

http://www.dhec.sc.gov/health/mch/wic/map.htm

Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

For more information on WIC of South Carolina, please visit the South Carolina WIC website at:

http://www.dhec.sc.gov/health/mch/wic/

If you have questions about the program call the Care Line toll-free at:
800-868-0404

Managing Agency
South Carolina

http://www.sc.gov/

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The Weatherization Assistance Program of South Carolina provides home weatherization assistance through the application of
appropriate energy conservation measures for selected single housing dwellings. Approved initiatives include replacement/repair
of windows and doors, caulking and/or replacing insulation and weather stripping in the home. Weatherization programs, for all 46
counties, are coordinated through nine community action agencies.

General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of South Carolina, your household’s annual income
before taxes must not exceed $15,600 if one person lives in the household; $21,000 if two people live in the household; $26,400 if
three people live in the household; $31,800 if four people live in the household; $37,200 if five people live in the household; $42,600 if
six people live in the household; $48,000 if seven people live in the household; and $53,400 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $5,400 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program, please contact your local administering agency at the following location:

http://www.oepp.sc.gov/oeo/caa.htm

Program Contact Information
For more information, please visit the South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunity website at:

http://www.oepp.sc.gov/oeo/programs.htm

To ask State representatives about WAP, contact the Office of Economic Opportunity by calling:
803-734-0662

Or send an e-mail to:
oeo@govoepp.state.sc.us

Managing Agency
South Carolina

http://www.sc.gov/

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Saluda Shoals Park
5605 Old Bush River Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Phone: 803-731-5208
Fax: 803-772-6865
Website: http://www.icrc.net

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WE LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OTHERS!!