AIM, in partnership with the Anderson County government, has launched the COVID-Relief Fund program. The funding will be used to provide rental and utility assistance to qualifying households.
“There is a tremendous amount of need for this type of assistance in our area”, said AIM Executive Director Kristi King-Brock. “We were fortunate to be able to offer some level of rental assistance through earlier COVID response programs, but the need far exceeded what we had available. These dedicated funds will help ensure that we can properly stabilize housing situations for those in need.”
Anderson County received more than $6 million dollars in funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). “We had the option of turning these funds over to SC Housing for dispersal, but our County Council was firm in its belief that we should instead offer a locally-managed program” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns.
“Every day we hear stories of people going through hard times, and we want both renters and landlords to know that this assistance is available and accessible no matter where in Anderson County you live” said County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “In the vast majority of cases, funds are paid directly to landlords or utility companies, and we have worked to install sufficient safeguards against fraud and abuse. This money will be well and wisely spent.”
Rusty Burns, county administrator, lauded AIM for its willingness to administer the fund. “As usual, the Anderson Interfaith Ministries organization stepped up. Their various programs are indicative of the breadth of their service to Anderson county and its residents. This program is both timely and badly needed. We were thrilled to receive this money, and are very confident that it will be used to help as many folks as possible. The reputation of AIM speaks for itself. We encourage those who are struggling in these especially difficult times to take advantage of this opportunity.”
AIM will be managing the program from its Anderson headquarters, located at 1202 South Murray Avenue 29621.
For further information, to find out if you qualify, or to complete the online application, please visit https://covidrelief.aimcharitysc.org/ or call 833-977-RENT(7368).
Application assistance is also available at the following partner agencies throughout Anderson County.
Contact the agency nearest you to set up an appointment.
Belton Interfaith Ministries: 864-338-7797; 507 N Main St, Belton
Clemson Community Care: 864-653-4460; 105 Anderson Hwy, Clemson
Concord Baptist Church: 864-225-4621; 1012 Concord Rd., Anderson
Freedom Center Food Pantry: 3254 S. Main St. Anderson
Good Hope Baptist Church: 864-348-6385; 221 Good Hope Church Rd, Iva
Honea Path United Ministries Food Pantry; 864-356-0758; 220 S. Main St. Honea Path
New Spring – Anderson: 864-261-1262; 1 Linwa Blvd, Anderson
New Spring – Powdersville: 864-261-1262
Piedmont Emergency Relief: 864-845-5535; 3A Main St. Piedmont
South Main Mercy Center; 864-437-8298; 2408 S Main St, Anderson
Temple Baptist Church: 864-226-7248; 2905 Standridge Rd, Anderson
Townville Fire House Training Room: 8505 Highway 24 Townsville
Trinity Baptist Church: 864-419-5622; 324 Belton Drive, Williamston
Upstate Warrior Solution (for Veterans and their families): 864-940-8966; 200 Bleckley St. Anderson, SC 29625
