BLUFFTON SELF HELP COVID-19 PLAN (Updated May 1, 2020)
In an effort of extreme caution to keep our clients, staff and volunteers safe, we are further limiting our operations and taking the following measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19Virus.As always, please check our website (www.blufftonselfhelp.org) and Facebook page for updates.We will continue food distribution on Mondays and Thursdays. As a food distribution center, we are frequently cleaning and sanitizing all common areas. Bluffton Self Help’s office & Education & Resource Center will be closed til further notice. Any questions, please call our main line at 843.757.8000, leave a message and we will get back to as many inquiries as possible.We are monitoring emails and phone calls regularly.
PROGRAM UPDATES
Food Distribution
Bluffton Self Help will modify Food Distribution hours to Monday 3 – 6 andThursdays 10 – 1.We will ask current Bluffton Self Help Clients to line up in their cars around the building.Volunteers and Staff will load pre-packaged bags of non-perishable food items into client vehicles. During this modified distribution, clients can pick up food once per week. Clients need to bring their BSH Card. If a Bluffton Resident is a non-client and in need of food, come during food distribution and we will issue a temporary card.
Clothing Distribution
Unfortunately, due to the close proximity of our clothing racks we are temporarily eliminating regular clothing hours. The Clothing Closet will be open June 10th & 17th | 9-2pm by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call 843-757-8000 then select option 3 to schedule your appointment to come shop for clothing.
*Masks will be required but not provided. Only one person per household will be allowed inside, please no children.
Emergency Financial Assistance
We are currently only accepting applications for Emergency Financial Assistance online, https://forms.gle/ y9L6zg2L7rZ7ZDfu7. After you have submitted your application, please email additional required documents to barbara@blufftonselfhelp.org. Completed applications MUST include required documentation including a copy of the bill being requested to be considered for an interview. Please review the checklist on our website to ensure all items are completed. A staff member or volunteer will call you for an interview within 3-5 business days.
Education and Resource Center
Bluffton Self Help’s Education and Resource Center will remain closed til further notice in an effort to decrease the spread of the COVID-19 virus and keep our community healthy.
Client Reverification
Annually, Bluffton Self Help completes client reverification to issue 2020 client cards.This process is temporarily suspended until further notice. All clients with 2019 cards are welcome to use our available services.
Non-client Programs
If you currently are not a registered client of Bluffton Self Help, but are in need of services, please call us 843.757.8000 or come during our modified food distribution times and we will assist.
DONATION UPDATES
Clothing Donations
Unfortunately, due to the temporary closure of our Clothing Closet, we cannot accept any clothing donations until further notice.
Food Donations
You may drop off non-perishable food donations on Mondays 1 10am-2pm at Bluffton Self Help to the bins located outside and behind the BSH building. There are several local groups who have stepped up to host food drives for Bluffton Self Help as well. Please check out https://blufftonselfhelp.org/blog/community-food-drives-drop-off-locations for the up-to-date info. We are also working with community partners and will begin purchasing food at discounted rates with grants and funds raised from our community.
Financial Donations
Bluffton Self Help anticipates a need for many families living paycheck to paycheck during this crisis.We have set up a fund specifically to support families affected by COVID-19.To make a financial donation, please contact Allison Crouch at 843.757.8009 or email Allison@blufftonselfhelp.org You can also visit our website at www.blufftonselfhelp.org and click the donate tab.
The spread of the virus here is becoming very serious and we are working to take every precaution to keep volunteers, staff, clients and donors safe. Our work is very important to ensure no family in Bluffton suffers from food insecurity and we want to continue to serve our clients the best, most efficient way possible for as long as possible.We anticipate our plans will continue to change as this crisis evolves.Thank you for your patience and understanding as we do our best to meet the critical needs of our Bluffton community. If you have any questions regarding this plan, please reach our Executive Director, Kimberly Hall at 843.757.8886 or Kim@blufftonselfhelp.org
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