Oconee assistance programs are ready to help

The Oconee Chamber of Commerce calls attention this morning to a handful of county assistance programs:
Emergency financial assistance for paying rent, energy bills, medications and more
There are a few primary organizations that you can turn to for help or grants to pay bills and expenses. They include those noted below.
Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources, Inc. – Oconee County Community Services Office
This may be the agency that offers the most assistance programs and resources in the area. The services they offer include:
• Emergency medical payment assistance for prescription medications and health care expenses.
• Gently used clothing.
• Eviction prevention and housing assistance, including both mortgage and rent payments.
• Debt and financial counseling, including budgeting skills. Programs that can help with credit card and medical debts. Learn more on debt programs.
• Food assistance and pantry
• Heating, utility and energy bill programs, including Operation Warmth and the federal government LIHEAP program. Also funds for utility deposits may be available. Money can be used for paying for oil, propane, kerosene, and other heating expenses. Last, but not least money to pay for cooling bills and air conditioning expenses.
• Programs to help people find a job.
The agency is located in Seneca but serves residents throughout the county. Call them at (864) 882-3495.
The Oconee County Salvation Army (phone (864) 882-1160) is another non-profit charity organization. They have limited funding to help people pay utility programs. Limited funds for paying for prescription medications and rent may be available. Other assistance that may be available includes holiday items, such as Thanksgiving meals, Christmas gifts, food baskets and more. Groceries and other food may be available at an on site pantry and thrift store.
The charity as well as local churches also provide help during the holidays, including Christmas and other events. Using services such as Angel Tree, there are toys, meals, and other support provided. Children from Oconee County are often a focus of these programs.
Another agency can help people in Seneca and Oconee County South Carolina. Catholic Charities of the Piedmont Deanery also offers numerous services and assistance to low income families and individuals. The programs offered include dental care, known as SAVE A SMILE, for people without insurance. Funds may be available for paying for medications and prescription drugs. With many people struggling with housing expenses, cash grants can help people pay their rent. Last, but not least, money may also be available for paying utility and energy bills. Phone 242-2233. Or find more details on Piedmont South Carolina Catholic Charity services.
Another Seneca based agency, Oconee Presbyterian Service Fund, which can be reached at (864) 882-0504, also provides low income, the unemployed, and other needy individuals with help paying bills. The OPSF service fund provides money to buy groceries and free food vouchers, rent payment assistance, and referrals to transportation expenses (including gas) so people can get to work.
There are several churches that are part of the fund. They always focus on those clients that want to be self-sufficient. Other resources may include grants for paying utility bills or security deposits and funds for prescription expenses. More on the Oconee Presbyterian Service Fund.
Help find a job
Two agencies listed above run programs to help people either find a job, or improve their income. Counselors will work with clients to provide them resume feedback. They will provide them with counseling, and job search services. Both Catholic Charities of the Piedmont Deanery and Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources, Inc. offer services. Their contact numbers are above.
Food and possibly clothing
A couple charities that may be able to provide you with food, groceries, or gently used clothing include Golden Corner Ministries Food Bank, which can be reached at 882-3610, as well as Bethesda Ministries (phone 888-4738).
Information was obtained from : https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/index.html Written by Jon McNamara