Greenville Chapter of the SC Restaurant and Lodging Association launches new emergency assistance program

In partnership with VisitGreenvilleSC, the Greenville Chapter of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association will introduce Heart of Hospitality GVL during the National Travel & Tourism Week Celebration on May 21 at the Upcountry History Museum.

Modeled after Hubitality, an emergency assistance program benefiting Spartanburg County’s hospitality industry, Heart of Hospitality GVL will aid Greenville County’s hospitality employees who may be experiencing financial crisis due to injury, illness, disaster and/or death.

Tourism is a $23.8 billion industry, supporting one in 10 jobs in South Carolina. Out of the 286,000 leisure and hospitality jobs in the state, Greenville County employs 18% of those.

This vibrant sector thrives on the strengths of its workforce, which is predominantly comprised of dedicated employees from independently owned and operated establishments. While this entrepreneurial spirit fosters a unique work environment in South Carolina’s Upstate, it can also mean that these individuals often lack the financial security needed to get through a tough time in their lives.

Heart of Hospitality GVL will lend a helping hand during these challenging times, offering critical support to hospitality workers, empowering them to overcome hardships and remain the driving force behind the hospitality industry’s success.

Donations to the program will support grantees’ basic service needs, such as paying utility bills and/or rent. In addition to financial support, the program connects hospitality workers with appropriate government and community organizations that can provide the following services to those in need: employment, financial services, health and wellness, housing, legal, mental health, and substance abuse.

Heart of Hospitality GVL will begin accepting applications and officially launch the program in early January 2025 with a public event to be held in tandem.