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Community CONNECTION

1st Edition 2024

A message from our President...


February 11 (2/11) was national 211 day, so we’re excited to highlight our program this month!


Oftentimes in crisis, people aren’t sure where to turn. Our 211 information and referral service is a vital first step in addressing immediate needs that people encounter every day. 211 is free, confidential, available 24/7 and can be accessed by:

  • Calling 2-1-1
  • Texting “help” to 211-211 or
  • Visiting www.sc211.org


211 can be used by those seeking help as well as those seeking to help others. It is meant to be a one-stop shop for all available community resources and is updated on a regular basis to ensure information is accurate. Please help spread awareness and discourage others from reinventing the wheel. You can find more information about 211 on our website at https://www.uwflorence.org/211-program.

211 Annual Report Highlights - February 2024

We're thrilled to present the annual report highlights of our 211 service. This quarterly newsletter serves as a window into the remarkable impact and trends observed throughout the past year.


Annual Engagement Snapshot

In 2023, our 211 service experienced unprecedented engagement, recording a total of 351,340 contacts encompassing calls, referrals, text messages, and website visits. Notably, calls experienced a remarkable 28% increase compared to the previous fiscal year, showcasing the growing reliance on 211 as a vital resource in our community.


Insights from the Year

Of significant note, rent and electric assistance combined accounted for a staggering 52% of all Florence County calls, with rent assistance nearly tripling in 2023. This substantial increase may be attributed, in part, to the conclusion of rental assistance funding provided by the CARES Act.

Community Impact

It's crucial to recognize that more than 86.5% of those reaching out to 211 are below the poverty threshold for a family of three. This statistic underscores the vital role 211 plays in supporting individuals and families facing economic challenges.

211 Annual Report Stats

Throughout the year, several pressing needs emerged prominently:


  • Assistance with electric service saw a notable uptick of 29%, resulting in 2,072 referrals.
  • Housing was broken down into a few categories by callers:
  • Help with rent skyrocketed by 182%, leading to 1,129 referrals.
  • The demand for temporary shelters rose by 59%, culminating in 679 referrals.
  • Access to affordable housing increased by 29%, resulting in 266 referrals.
  • The amount of money owed in overdue bills increased by 129% from 2022 to 2023.

Free Tax Assistance

United Way of Florence County is providing free tax assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Individuals who qualify can schedule an appointment by calling 843-662-2407. The hours are by appointment only Monday-Thursday from 1-5 PM. To qualify for free tax assistance, individuals must meet the below criteria: 

  • Florence County resident
  • Low-to-moderate-income individuals/families with an annual income of less than $60,000 annually.
  • Individuals MUST have a social security number (our site will not handle ITIN/Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers)


Individuals with a simple tax return can file their taxes online for free at www.myfreetaxes.com

Upcoming Events

Field Fastener is hosting a golf playday, where all proceeds will benefit United Way of Florence County. Companies and individuals can support the event in the following ways:


  • Register a team
  • Sponsor the event at the gold, silver, or bronze level
  • Participate and/or donate to the silent auction
  • Donate directly to United Way of Florence County


We encourage you to join us on Wednesday, May 15th!



For more information, please visit our website at www.uwflorence.org/golf-playday, or reach out to us at 843-662-2407 or via email at uwfloinfo@uwflorence.org

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