We’re Here to Help You Succeed
Bluffton Self Help is here to connect you with what you need on your personal path to success – resources like food, clothing, financial assistance, education and training, mentoring, and more.
The Market
The first step to success is meeting your basic needs and identifying ways to stretch your budget. The Market provides free fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, bread, non-perishables, and hygiene items.
The Market is open to all neighbors who live or work in Bluffton or live in Ridgeland/Hardeeville and receive social security/disability benefits. By shopping in The Market weekly, a family can save $500 a month that can be re-allocated to another part of your budget.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance is available to keep the utilities on, prevent eviction, or to provide support during urgent, critical hardships.
Residents of Bluffton, Mainland Hilton Head Island, and Jasper County experiencing an unexpected hardship may be eligible for financial assistance.
Education & Training
Bluffton Self Help’s education and career readiness programs include more than a dozen courses and workshops that tackle the topics of digital literacy, budgeting, goal setting, resume writing, and citizenship in addition to our Basic Adult Education, English as a Second Language and GED courses.
Career Development
Whether you’re entering the job market for the first time or seeking to advance your career, we will equip you with the tools and confidence you need to succeed. Career development programs are open to all neighbors.
Resource Coordination
We empower, mentor, and advocate for individuals and families to improve their lives and livelihoods providing one-on-one support to set and achieve individual goals. Resource Coordination programs are open to all neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact us if you have additional questions we haven’t answered for you.
How do I sign-up for The Market?
Please bring in an ID as well as a utility bill during service hours.
Mondays from 4-6 p.m.
Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 4-6 p.m.
Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fridays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Click here to see registration requirements.
Who qualifies for the Market?
The Market is open to ALL Bluffton (29910/29909) residents, neighbors who work in Bluffton and live in Beaufort County (excluding HHI) or Jasper County, as well as residents of Hardeeville (29927) and Ridgeland (29936) receiving either Social Security Retirement/Disability benefits.
**Proof of residency and/or Bluffton employment is required.
Residents of Hilton Head Island please register with Deep Well.
How do I sign-up for the Family Voucher?
You are eligible for the Family Voucher Program if you have at least 4 people living in your household, and at least 2 minors. Please present birth certificates for children.
What are the qualifications for financial assistance?
Anyone who has been a resident of Bluffton or Jasper County for a minimum of 90 days may apply once per calendar year for financial assistance.
How do I sign-up for the Diaper Program?
You must present a birth certificate for each child enrolled, and you must be the parent or guardian for that child. For guardianship, please bring in a copy of your court paperwork.
How do I get started on my GED?
Please call (843) 757-8097 to make an appointment.
When and how can I shop for clothing?
Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. for working neighbors ONLY
Twice per month
Are appointments required to use the computers?
No, you may drop in any time during our posted hours of operation to use the computers.
Who is eligible for your monthly Fresh Xpress events?
Fresh Xpress is free and open to the public. Don’t forget to bring a reusable bag with you.