$125,500 in HUD COVID-19 Grants Announced

In early August, the Town of Hilton Head Island was awarded $378,000 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low- to moderate-income families affected by COVID-19. The Town partnered with Community Foundation of the Lowcountry to grant these funds to nonprofit organizations assisting Hilton Head Island residents with rent, utilities, mortgage, food, transportation, childcare, education and other needs. The funds are part of HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Program.

A task force of Hilton Head Island residents, including representatives from the Town of Hilton Head Island and the Community Foundation, convened to develop funding guidelines and to review and approve grant applications.

The first round of grants, totaling $154,000, was awarded to eight organizations in September. During this second round of grants, six organizations will share $125,500. They are:

Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity: $25,000 for emergency housing assistance to be paid directly to the service provider on behalf of Hilton Head Habitat for Humanity clients who reside on Hilton Head Island and who meet HUD income requirements.

Second Helpings: $12,000 to purchase protein and produce that the Hunger Coalition, faith-based institutions and food pantries will distribute to Hilton Head Island residents who face food insecurities due to COVID-19.

Native Island Business & Community Affairs Association: $25,000 for emergency housing assistance for Native Islanders who face hardships due to COVID-19, who are Hilton Head Island residents and meet HUD income requirements.

Mental Health America of Beaufort/Jasper: $25,000 for scholarships for MHA group therapy for low- to moderate-income residents of Hilton Head Island, suffering from mental health issues, contingent upon confirmation the agency screens applicants on the front end to ensure the need for the program is COVID-19 related.

Sandalwood Community Food Pantry: $13,500 to purchase produce, fish and dairy to distribute to food insecure residents of Hilton Head Island.

The Literacy Center: $25,000 for technology and instruction costs associated with the Hilton Head Island location for their Distance Learning & Workforce Certification Programs supporting HHI low-income adults.

Additional grants will be distributed in the future. For more information about the grants, guidelines and timelines, visit cf-lowcountry.org or hiltonheadislandsc.gov or call Community Foundation of the Lowcountry at 843.681.9100.

Since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has been connecting people, resources and needs by helping build stronger communities and assisting donors in making a difference through charitable giving. With over 350 charitable funds, combined assets totaling $72 million and grantmaking and scholarships reaching $82 million, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties.