36 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Nearly 40% of households in the Tri-County region are struggling to make ends meet and 53% of children in the area live in financially unstable homes, according to the ALICE in Focus Children report from United for ALICE, a research initiative supported by United Ways nationwide. ALICE — which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — represents hardworking families who can’t get ahead. In the Charleston area, basic expenses for a family of four with two young children total at least $89,000 annually and with a statewide minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, many families fall far short. Economic disparities are striking in the Lowcountry, where unhoused individuals live blocks from multimillion-dollar mansions. While food and shelter resources are familiar to most of us, another vital form of relief is sometimes overlooked. Hygiene products like shampoo, tampons and deodorant are often prioritized below food and shelter, but the truth is: simple hygiene isn’t a luxury, it’s a human necessity. Many area nonprofits offer hygiene products and more to our neighbors. If you or someone you know needs support, use this list as a starting place. Be sure to call or email ahead as availability of supplies varies greatly day-by-day. If you aren’t in need, use the resources below to find ways to donate. Trident United Way’s Resource Connection Centers Located in Moncks Corner (500 S. Live Oak Drive) and Summerville (133 East 1st North St., Suite 3), the Resource Connection Centers connect neighbors to resources that support financial stability. They also maintain supply closets stocked with hygiene products, clothing and essential household items that SNAP benefits cannot cover, such as paper towels, bleach, laundry detergent and dish detergent. These items are available to clients Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach aims to build equitable communities and empower individuals by addressing basic and emergency needs, as well as providing education, employment, and health services. Their food pantries and clothing closets meet immediate needs and are available on Johns Island at 1684 Brownswood Drive (Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) and downtown at 77 & 79 American Street (Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.). Call ahead to check the availability of items you or your neighbors need: Johns Island: 843-559-4109, Downtown: 843-805-8064. East Cooper Community Outreach East Cooper Community Outreach provides comprehensive wraparound services to support local neighbors facing financial hardship. From essential items like food and hygiene products to financial assistance and guidance, ECCO works to change lives. Their main campus, located at 1145 Six Mile Road in Mount Pleasant, is open Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6p.m. Call ahead to check availability as hygiene items tend to go fast: (843) 849-9220. Holy City Missions Holy City Missions aims to “reduce the immediate effects of poverty and equip neighbors to find sustainable means of support.” From its base at 1444 Remount Road in North Charleston, it provides a food and hygiene product bank, showers, a soup kitchen, a clothing closet and warming shelters during winter months. Dates and times of operation vary. Sunflowers of HOPE Sunflowers of HOPE supports the unhoused community in the Tri-County, along with children and seniors, by delivering resources to areas in need. They host an annual Day of HOPE Community Event in North Charleston, providing food, clothing, hygiene kits and more to everyone who attends. Throughout the year, they organize ad hoc service days and supply drives to collect and distribute essential items, including hygiene kits. Every1Voice Matters Every1Voice Matters is a nonprofit dedicated to helping children reach their full potential. They offer comprehensive wraparound services to children and their families, focusing on the unique needs of each household. Through an intake process, they assess and address specific challenges, providing basic needs support such as food and hygiene products, as well as referrals, mentoring and other resources. All of the organizations listed above are nonprofits who could always use additional support. Together, let’s reduce the effects of financial instability on our neighbors in the Tri-County. A Helping Hand Hygiene isn’t a luxury BY LEAH RHYNE Charleston Women in Philanthropy
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