The mission of Palmetto Community Action Partnership is to serve the economically underserved residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties by promoting economic independence through programs and partnerships.
Our agency has proudly served Charleston County since 1968: first as Charleston County Economic Opportunity Council, and then as Charleston County Human Services Commission starting in 1984. Our most recent name change—to Palmetto Community Action Partnership—was made in 2015 to reflect the agency’s expanded service areas. Now, Palmetto CAP helps the economically disadvantaged residents of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties to develop customized solutions to situational and generational poverty.
We do this by partnering with faith-based organizations, schools, private businesses, non-profits, and local governments and communities to provide short-term basic needs assistance, crisis intervention and long-term financial empowerment services. Palmetto CAP effectively uses federal, state, local and private resources to address the root causes that lead to poverty (both situational and generational) on a local level.
The agency receives its funding primarily from the Community Services Block Grant, the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Economic Opportunity Act Program, the Department of Energy, and various private sources. Community Action is the only federally-funded program exclusively focused on reducing poverty.
This department provides financial literacy classes, one-on-one budgeting sources, free VITA tax preparation and housing stability.
Learn MoreThe mission of this program is to increase self-sufficiency and develop strategies to ensure a better quality of life through employment and educational opportunities for both youth and adults.
Learn MorePalmetto CAP’s General Emergency Assistance Program (or GEAP) provides financial assistance to households who have encountered an unexpected financial hardship including rental assistance to avoid eviction. Assistance is provided once every 24 months.
Learn MoreBy providing temporary assistance with food, water and shelter, Palmetto CAP’s Outreach department provides vital services to address citizens’ most basic needs. Being able to meet basic needs is the foundation of financial stability.
Learn MorePalmetto Community Action Partnership is currently accepting appointments for the programs. Eligibility for all programs is subject to program calendars, fund availability, appointment availability, verifiable household income and family size.
Learn MoreList of documents that are required, in addition to other eligibility requirements, to complete an application for Palmetto CAP services.
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