Palmetto Community Action Partnership
Palmetto Community Action Partnership (or Palmetto CAP) is a private, non -profit Community Action Agency. The mission of the organization is to serve the economically disadvantaged residents of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties by increasing self-sufficiency and developing strategies to promote economic independence through partnerships. Our main office and outreach centers provide programs which will combat unemployment, poor living conditions, homelessness and poor health. Programs and services are designed to negate the causes and conditions of situational and generational poverty. Initiatives address critical needs and help build self -reliance. In 2013, Palmetto CAP provided services to more than 15,000 individuals in more than 6,600 families through its emergency outreach and self-sufficiency programs. In 2015, the organization’s name changed from Charleston County Human Services Commission to Palmetto Community Action Partnership. Palmetto CAP receives its funding from a combination of federal grant programs (such as the Community Services Block Grant, 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Economic Opportunity Act Program, the Department of Energy, the Department of Labor), the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, local businesses and private citizens. The Palmetto CAP Board of Directors is made up of private business representatives, elected government officials, and representatives from underserved communities. The Board of Directors is responsible for planning the programs’ policies and approving the programs’ budgets. Palmetto CAP has had 24 flawless financial audits conducted by independent firms. All programs and their corresponding services are subject to funding availability and program calendars. The agency welcomes financial support from the community to help provide more services throughout the Tri -county area. **All donations are tax deductible.**
To be eligible to participate in our programs or receive assistance, applicants must…
Office Locations MAIN OFFICE 1069 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403 843-724-6760 (phone) | 843-724-6787 (fax) Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mon-Fri BERKELEY COUNTY (inside SC Works) 100 South Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-761-6935 or 843-761-6936 (phone) | 843-761-0523 (fax) Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mon - Thurs LOWER DORCHESTER COUNTY (inside SC Works) 2885 West 5th North Street, Summerville, SC 29483 843-832-7053 (phone) | 843-875-1168 (fax) Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mon &Tues UPPER DORCHESTER COUNTY (inside St. George DSS office) 201 Johnston Street, St. George, SC 29477 843-636-9090 or 843-636-9099 (phone) | 843-563-9982 (fax) Hours: 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Wed & Thurs ***Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate walk-ins. Please call 1-844-769-6448 for an appointment.***
Be residents of Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester County (the Weatherization Assistance Program also serves residents of Beaufort and Jasper Counties)
Meet program income guidelines
Present a state-issued picture ID with current address for applicant
Present legible social security cards for all household members
Present total income for all household members within the past 30 days prior to application
***Additional documents may be required and other eligibility conditions may apply. Applications cannot be completed until all documentation is provided. Please see the back of this document to learn more about specific programs.***
PROGRAMS
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
CONTACT
PHONE
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
BASIC NEEDS Water Bill Assistance
Partnership between Charleston Water Systems Outreach (CWS)/Good Neighbors and Palmetto CAP that Department provides assistance with payment for water services for CWS customers. Services available once per calendar year.
843-724-6760
Service must be in disconnect status with a past due balance. A delinquent bill in the applicant's name must be presented. Applicant must be a CWS customer.
General Emergency Assistance Programs
Provides emergency assistance once a year (rental assistance, medication, emergency services, protection from violence, etc.)
843-724-6760
Applicants must have sustainable monthly income; must present documentation of an emergency within the past 30 days. Those in need of assistance should call 843-724-6760 on Mondays from 1-3pm if they live in Charleston County and on Wednesdays from 1-3pm if they live in Berkeley or Dorchester Counties.
Utility and Energy Bill Assistance
Provides financial assistance with energy bills Outreach 1-844-769-6448 Bill must be in applicant's name. Seniors, disaand HVAC units via grants paid directly to Department bled individuals and households with children 5 service providers; services rendered 1-2 years of age or younger are prioritized. Eligibility times a year. Services provided through the requirements may vary slightly depending on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Profunding source. gram (LIHEAP), SCE&G’s Project SHARE, Berkeley Electric Cooperative and other funding sources.
Outreach Department
PROJECT PRIDE (EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT)
Services include work support; childcare and transportation assistance; tuition and certification assistance; GED/HS diploma assistance; and Summer Youth Works! employment for HS and college students. Most services available all year.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Services include free summer camp, summer Youth school tuition assistance and school uniform Education assistance. Most services seasonal. Character Enrichment education is available throughout the year.
ASSET BUILDING (FINANCIAL LITERACY)
Provides low-income persons of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties with budgeting, credit counseling, debt management and free tax preparation to increase self-sufficiency and financial knowledge.
WEATHERIZATION Address insulation, infiltration and minor repairs of homes and HVAC units to conserve energy.
Jennifer Brown or Nekedra Lumar
Sheila M. West
1-844-769-6448 Must present requested documentation from (for an appt) employer or learning institution. 843-724-6760 ext. 212 or 230 (to contact) 843-724-6760 ext. 212 or 230
Must present requested documentation from learning institution.
1-844-769-6448 Must present requested documentation. (for an appt) 843-720-3718 (to contact)
W/X Department
843-720-5336
All homes are assessed to determine needed repairs and program eligibility. Home must be a single family dwelling in Charleston, Berkeley, Beaufort, Dorchester or Jasper County.
HOUSING Affordable Housing
Builds and sells affordable housing for firsttime home owners.
Willi Glee
843-730-3330
Residents with incomes at 80% of median or below of the area’s median income. Inquire as to specific eligibility guidelines and unit availability.
New Promise Permanent Housing
Provides and obtains permanent housing for the chronically homeless
Doris Grant
843-724-6760
Unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition. Must be continuously homeless for a year or more OR have had 4 episodes of homelessness within the past 3 years, in an emergency shelter during these stays. Must be able to prove one of the following disabilities: Mental Illness, chronic alcohol/drug abuse, recovery from surgical procedures, HIV/AIDS, developmental challenges, Veteran, victim of domestic violence.
Rentals
Provides low income families with subsidized rental units
Housing Department
843-724-6760
Inquire as to specific guidelines and unit availability. Limited units available.
Emergency Mortgage
Mortgage assistance to avoid foreclosure (money management counseling may be required)
Asset Building Department
843-720-3718
Must have proof of financial hardship. This program (through SC HELP) is NOT income-based. Required documentation may vary. Please call for additional information.
**NO WALK-INS. CALL 1-844-769-6448 OR VISIT WWW.PALMETTOCAP.ORG FOR AN APPOINTMENT.** For the latest updates, ‘like’ Palmetto CAP and Project Pride on Facebook and ‘follow’ us on Twitter. Visit us at www.palmettocap.org.