ECCO receives $166,145 in CARES Act funding

July 6, 2020

East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) has received $166,145 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

The CARES Act provides fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses, and preserve jobs for our American industries. Individuals may receive limited assistance, using ECCO’s Prescription Assistance and Financial Assistance programs. Individuals must meet HUD eligibility requirements to receive assistance and must live in Charleston County, but outside the City of Charleston, since the City receives its own HUD funding.

“ECCO stands ready to help local families who are struggling to make ends meet in the wake of COVID-19 with HUD funds to pay their rent, mortgage or utilities, stated Stephanie Kelley, Executive Director of ECCO. “We appreciate our partnership with the Charleston County Community Development Department as together we aim to be a force for good in the Lowcountry.  We trust these funds from the CARES Act will help to protect our neighbors including those in the rural areas of Charleston County from the economic impact of this pandemic.”

ECCO’s Financial Assistance program provides assistance to those facing an unforeseen hardship. With a rise in unemployment and loss of income due to the pandemic, ECCO is seeing a large increase in requests to assist with utility bills or monthly rent or mortgage payments. To qualify for financial assistance, community members are encouraged to call ECCO at 843-416-7120, Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or visit eccocharleston.org/financial-assistance.

The Prescription Assistance Program at ECCO provides emergency funds to insured and uninsured individuals living in our community. Currently, ECCO can provide assistance to pay up to 90 days of prescriptions and assistance finding and applying for an annual prescription assistance program to cover the cost of prescriptions (uninsured only). To qualify for prescription assistance, community members are encouraged to call ECCO at 843-416-7145, Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or visit eccocharleston.org/prescription-assistance.

Uniquely positioned in the area as the only organization in East Cooper, ECCO provides comprehensive wrap-around support services to neighbors in financial distress experiencing generation and situational poverty. With ECCO’s holistic program approach, the organization is considered a “one-stop-shop” for families to get help filling a range of individual needs.

 

About ECCO 

Founded in 1989 as an emergency relief effort after the devastation from Hurricane Hugo, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) strives to eliminate poverty in the East Cooper region by offering programs in three main areas: Basic Needs, Health Services, and Empowerment.