Our Mission
Our mission is to support the stability of our community by providing basic needs and other services to empower individuals and families during a time of crisis.

Our Vision
Through kindness and compassion, we provide services that enrich lives and create a sustainable lifestyle for our community.

Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach has four primary service areas: emergency food assistance, rental assistance, utilities assistance, and transportation assistance.

• Emergency Food Assistance: We provide five days of emergency food, along with hygiene if requested, to individuals and families experiencing short-term need.
  
• Utilities Assistance: With available funding, our agency also assists with Utilities. These services are limited. To discuss utilities, the client must have a copy of the utility bill.
  
• Rental Assistance: With available funding, our agency also assists with Rent. These services are limited. To discuss rent, the client must have a legal lease showing a monthly rental, and a letter from the landlord stating that the client owes rent.
  
• Transportation Assistance: When possible, our agency helps clients in crisis with their transportation needs. These services are limited.
  
• SC Thrive Benefits Screening: Through SC Thrive, our agency screens clients (by appointment only) to determine the benefits they are eligible for.
  

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Helping Hand was started by First Church in 1971 as an outreach to help teenage visitors to Myrtle Beach. Having incorporated in 1976, its services were extended to help transients and locals of all ages with short term assistance including a food pantry, rent and utility assistance, transportation (bus tickets), prescription drugs, and SNAP applications. They assisted 4,365 households in 2022 (34% increase over 2021). We can be proud of our connection with Helping Hand and the support given by First Church members.

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