Outreach & Temporary Assistance

Palmetto CAP’s Outreach department offers essential support by providing temporary assistance with food, water, and shelter to help meet citizens’ most basic needs. Having these needs met is the foundation of financial stability. Families cannot effectively work toward the empowerment goals necessary to overcome poverty until their basic needs are secured.

Water Bill Assistance

Charleston Water System (CWS) customers can receive payment assistance for water services once per calendar year through the Good Neighbor program. To qualify, the account must be in ‘disconnect’ status (though not yet disconnected) with a past-due balance. A delinquent bill in the applicant’s name is required at the time of the appointment to apply for assistance. The applicant must be a current CWS customer. To schedule an appointment, call 1-844-769-6448 or click here. Appointments are limited and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Utility Bill Assistance

Utility assistance is provided through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP – learn more here), Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare program. Program eligibility requirements vary slightly.  Utility assistance is scheduled by appointment only. Appointments can be obtained by calling 1-844-769-6448 or visiting the Schedule An Appointment page.  Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

General Emergency Assistance Program (GEAP)

Palmetto CAP’s General Emergency Assistance Program (GEAP) provides financial assistance to households who have encountered an unexpected financial hardship.  Services include assistance with rent, prescription medications, protection from violence, disaster relief, food, and more. Assistance is provided once per year. Applicants must provide documentation of an emergency within the past 30 days and have a sustainable monthly income. Appointments can be obtained by calling 1-844-769-6448 or visiting the Schedule An Appointment page.  Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility Requirements: All clients must:

• Be residents of Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester County
• Meet federal income guidelines
• Present a SC-issued picture ID with current address for applicant
• Present total income for all household members within the past 30 days prior to application
• Proof of sustainable monthly income
• Delinquent bill for past 30 days prior to application date
• Eviction notice (if one has been served)
• Provide documentation of emergency that impacted income of all household members within the 30 days prior to application date
• Verification of emergency

Energy Conservation Education

The Outreach department provides tips on home energy efficiency to all program participants receiving utility assistance. Community education is also offered through the Energize Your Home workshops, which can be presented to your community group free of charge by request.

**All services are provided based on the program calendar and as funding allows.**