Free Charleston-Area Resources During the COVID19 Crisis March 24, 2020

**This list will continue to be updated: check back for more resources, and please share with neighbors and loved ones**

–BASIC NEEDS & RESOURCES–

-If you have recently lost your job you can file for unemployment benefits online through the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce website at https://dew.sc.gov.

–Trident United Way provides additional resources for basic needs that may be helpful: https://www.tuw.org/resources-basic-needs

–INTERNET & ACCESS–

-Until further notice, all Xfinity WiFi Public Hotspots are now open to everyone on the “xfinitywifi” SSID. Public hotspots can be found in small/medium businesses and outdoors in commercial areas. Learn more: https://wifi.xfinity.com/xwod.php

–Comcast is providing new customers with 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service in addition to opening Xfinity WiFi hotspots to anyone who needs them for free. More information can be found on the Comcast website.

–Temporary e-cards for Charleston County Public Library branches are now available for Charleston residents who wish to access digital materials including books, virtual programs, music, TV, the New York Times + more: http://ow.ly/RRZh30qshVN

-A website that matches homebound people with task/errand requests to volunteers in their area (grocery runs, etc.) It’s called next door helper and you can register to help (or find help) here: https://www.nextdoorhelper.org/ 

–FOOD & ASSISTANCE–

-Find a list of area Blessing Boxes for free pantry items and goods (including our own at 3226 Maybank Highway, Johns Island) to take what you need or leave what you can: https://chsblessingbox.wixsite.com/home

-Berkeley County School District, Charleston County School District, Dorchester School District Two and Dorchester School District Four are offering drive-thru “grab & go” meal services at no cost for children 18 years of age and younger at several school locations. For additional information on pick up times and locations visit the district websites: Berkeley County, Charleston County, Dorchester County.

-Many local restuarants are offering take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery at this time. Check https://www.diningatadistance.com/charleston for an updated list.

–HEALTH–

*If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. If you have fever, cough or shortness of breath, call your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss your concerns or get medical care/direction.

-Roper St. Francis Healthcare is offering free telehealth screenings, accessible from any mobile device between 8:00am and 8:00pm using the promo code “COVID19” (there is a charge of $59 associated with the service if used outside the 8:00am – 8:00pm timeframe, in response to the COVID-19 activity).

-MUSC is offering virtual care – a 24/7 free system staffed by doctors, PAs and NPs – communication is possible through texts, calls and video. Use the promo code “COVID19.”

-Find a list of SC free clinics to find the closest to you here: https://www.scfreeclinics.org/clinics/

-Find a national list of Free & Charitable Clinics here.

–Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is operating on a telemedicine basis until further notice, please call 843-266-9800 for assistance.

-Resources for maintaining sobriety during the pandemic.

–EDUCATION–

-Trident United Way has compiled a list of area education resources for students here: https://www.tuw.org/resources-students

-A national growing list of educational resources for children who are out of currently out of school here.

Do you have any more resources to add to this growing list? Please email cmoores@bifmc.org

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is a free clinic in Charleston, SC, that provides free medical care to eligible patients, just like any family practitioner or internist. The Free Clinic serves uninsured adults living at or below 299 % of the Federal poverty level who live or work on Johns, James, & Wadmalaw Island or Folly Beach, or serve the Hospitality Industry of Downtown Charleston. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.