Homeless Assistance in South Carolina

Homeless Assistance in South Carolina

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to South Carolina residents.

5,100+
People experiencing homelessness
160+
Assistance programs statewide
$62M+
Federal housing funds
46 Counties
With local resources
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Need help right now? Contact us here — we can connect you to local shelters and services in South Carolina.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for South Carolina residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across South Carolina. Contact us for help locating the nearest open shelter and available resources in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in South Carolina. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for South Carolina veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible South Carolina residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in South Carolina. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. South Carolina receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local South Carolina Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple South Carolina locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through South Carolina community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income South Carolina residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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South Carolina State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by South Carolina for residents experiencing homelessness.

SC Emergency Housing & Shelter Programs

SCHFDA administers Emergency Solutions Grants and state housing programs for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and homeless prevention in South Carolina.

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TANF – South Carolina (TANF-FAMILIES)

Cash assistance and job training for eligible SC families with children. Apply at any local DSS county office or through scdss.gov.

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South Carolina Medicaid (Healthy Connections)

South Carolina’s Medicaid program covering low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly, and disabled residents. Apply at scdhhs.gov.

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South Carolina Housing Programs

South Carolina State Housing Finance & Development Authority provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income South Carolina residents.

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South Carolina Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through South Carolina’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income South Carolina households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Contact us to find your nearest provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major South Carolina cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Columbia

Columbia Housing Authority — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Columbia area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Charleston

One80 Place — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Charleston area.

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Greenville

Greenville Homeless Alliance — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Greenville area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in South Carolina.

Contact NHREA here and we will connect you to available shelter beds in South Carolina. You can also visit 211.org to search for local resources.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in South Carolina. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. South Carolina benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. South Carolina has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • South Carolina Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for South Carolina veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Contact NHREA to find rapid re-housing programs in South Carolina.
Apply at South Carolina’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.