Sumter United Ministries provides crisis relief services to families in need in Sumter County. This is done by providing direct financial assistance to avoid possible eviction and to prevent the disconnection of necessary utilities and heating

sources. The ministry can also help with food, clothing, hygiene products and we can also help domestic violence and fire victims.

Sign-in begins Monday through Thursday at 9:00 AM and people are encouraged to be present when the office opens.

To be interviewed, the person must be a resident of Sumter County and bring a SC Driver’s License or SC ID from Department of Motor Vehicles They must also know the Social Security numbers (not required for food or clothing) and birth dates of everyone in their house along with income and expenses for the entire household.

Utilities

Client must bring a disconnection notice or final notice in their name within seven days of the due date to interview. If the utility is disconnected, interviews must take place no later than 30 days of the disconnect date (other conditions may apply).

Heat

Heat-related interviews are done November 1 - March 31. Heat-related requests

include natural and propane gas, kerosene, and electric heaters. Dominion Energy customers will need a disconnection/final notice and come to us 7 days before the due date. Propane customers (Suburban & Palmetto Gas only) will need a disconnection/final notice or an invoice for the cost of fill-up on company letterhead. Portable propane tanks must be evaluated as "safe" by Simpson's Hardware on Liberty St and must provide a statement that it has been checked.

Kerosene requests are also evaluated (no notice or invoice required). Clients are only eligible once a season.

Rent

Client must have a valid eviction notice or writ of ejectment from the Magistrate’s Court. The eviction notice must be within 21 days of receipt or 7 days of a writ of ejectment.