For many, living in the Lowcountry feels much like being on vacation every day; the beautiful views, quaint town, friendly people, mild weather, and easy access to the beach, what more could we ask for. These are the same reasons many flock to our little town several times a year, our streets become busy and local business booms. Tourist season is open. Many neighbors who work in the hospitality industry rely on this very distinct tourist season to get by and are grateful for the busy season. However, during the off season things die down and it can be hard to bring in a consistent paycheck. Eleanora found herself in this scenario and needed help. As the season started to slow down at a popular restaurant where she works she found herself getting behind in her bills. Since her husband’s contracting work was slow as well, this made it very difficult to bring home more than $600 in a month. Her family, like many living paycheck to paycheck, had no extra money for savings to get her through a difficult time. She requested financial assistance for her electric bill. The Financial Assistance through Bluffton Self Help has helped this family get caught up with their bills and has allowed Eleanora to complete the extensive dental work she is in need of. We are so happy you came in Eleanora, we know sometimes asking for help is the hardest part!
COVID-19 Update to our Supporters
Dear Bluffton Self Help Friends, Because you are an important stakeholder in Bluffton Self Help, we want to keep you informed about how we are responding to the COVID-19. While we continue to do everything possible to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and clients, and to prevent community spread of the virus, at the same time we believe we must make every effort to continue to be here for our many neighbors in need. As we’ve reported before, we have modified to distributing pre-bagged groceries as opposed to neighbors shopping for items in our Wellness Food Pantry. We set up the very critical COVID-19 Family Relief Fund to ensure we are able to assist our neighbors with the emergency financial needs. We closed our Confidence Clothing Closet, however will always fill on demand requests for workwear. Our commitment to our community is stronger than ever. We continue to remain available every week day for neighbor’s inquiries, concerns and immediate basic needs. In this time of so many unknowns, the one thing know for certain is that the need for our support continues to rise every day. Many neighbors find themselves suddenly without income and in need of help for the first time. Hardworking neighbors living paycheck to paycheck, now are faced with an already stressful health crisis that puts real strain on their financial situation.
As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together, one thing is clear: Bluffton Self Help is a vital resource for our community. Bluffton Self Help is meeting the challenges of this moment head on. We’re working hard to ensure our community has consistent and safe access to food, basic needs and financial support to emerge through this crisis stronger. Just this week alone we served more than 300 families facing food insecurity and the number of new requests rising more than 20%. Our modified food distribution is able to provide each family with a weeks worth of fresh meat, produce, milk, bread and non-perishables each visit. The requests for financial support grow each day. With rising unemployment, we are ready to meet the needs of our community to prevent homelessness and ensure critical financial needs are being met for our neighbors. Many of you stepped up to support our services, our mission and most importantly our neighbors. We continue to receive donations of food, hygiene products and generous financial donations, but we can’t do it alone. We will continue to need your support to keep our operations open in a crucial time of need.
During this time of great uncertainty and unprecedented change, our commitment to our neighbors, staff and volunteers and the most vulnerable in our society remains stronger than ever. We could not do this without you. With your continued support, I know that we can meet this challenge head-on and emerge stronger, together.
Take care of yourself and each other. Kimberly Hall
Executive Director | Bluffton Self Help