Lowcountry foundation awards $90K more in grants to feed people during coronavirus
The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry awarded $90,050 from its COVID-19 relief fund this week to six area nonprofits.
Most recipients are focused on providing food, supplies and supplementing housing-related payments for individuals impacted by the pandemic and the recent tornado in Hampton County, which killed five and damaged hundreds of homes, The Island Packet reported.
Organizations that received grants operate in Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties.
The COVID-19 fund, established on March 20, is targeted at organizations that support residents who have no access to healthcare, or who are food or housing insecure, the foundation said.
“The community’s response to this crisis has been overwhelming,” according to Chris Kerrigan, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. “In less than a month, our generous neighbors have contributed more than $200,000 to this fund.”
The Community Foundation added an additional $200,000 as part of a match, and has now distributed around $250,000 in grants.
Fighting food insecurity
A significant portion of grant money went to organizations addressing food insecurity around the Lowcountry.
Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen will use the funds to purchase food for the “Hot Stuff” Food Program, which provides meals for low-income, at-risk community members in Bluffton and Yemassee.
Hampton United Methodist Church will use the grant to purchase food and supplies for the “Hampton School District One Backpack Buddy Program.” The grant will help the program expand to bring meals to 300 more participants, according to a news release.
Lowcountry Strong Foundation will use the money to fund meals for unemployed or underemployed hospitality workers in Beaufort County.
The Margaret F. Curtis Food Pantry will use the grant to increase capacity due to the increase in need because of school closings and stay home orders in Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties, the release said.
New Destiny Center will use the funds to provide hot meals to low income, at-risk Jasper County seniors who are confined to their homes due to COVID-19.
Helping with home-related payments
One grant will address housing needs on Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity will use the money to fund insurance and tax escrow payments for approximately 30% of Habitat for Humanity homeowners who have lost employment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant will fund the payments for up to two months, the release said.
How you can help
The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette have assembled a list of local nonprofits and resources offering help to those who need it during the coronavirus outbreak. Read it here.
The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is accepting donations for its COVID-19 Response Fund by check and online at https://cflowcountry.civicore.com/covid
