Get Help

Find out how to access the services you need, like counseling, financial assistance, food, and shelter.

Call 211 for non-emergency help in the Midlands211 is a non-emergency line staffed by trained specialists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Residents of Richland, Newberry, Lexington, Fairfield, Orangeburg and Calhoun counties may access this resource for referrals and volunteer information. Callers outside the 211 dialing area or with phones that do not connect may call (803) 733-5408 or toll-free 1-866-892-9211.

Staffers can answer your questions about where to get help with:

  • rent/utility assistance
  • food banks
  • shelter
  • physical/mental health care
  • employment support
  • services for elderly and disabled individuals
  • child care resources
  • volunteer opportunities

What is 211?

211 is a local service that's part of a single, unified national network. Every day across North America, clients contact 211 to talk to local specialists who connect them with the services they need. The 211 program is a vital part of United Way's efforts to build stronger communities and fight for the health, education, and economic mobility of every person in our community. 

Want to be added to our database?

To be included in the 211 database or to update your information, please visit the 211 website.

Need help? Start here.

I am an adult or youth who needs help finding food, shelter and support. 

Find information on our Preventing Homelessness page. We also have special programs for young adults up to age 22 - see our Youth Homelessness page for more details. Of course, you can also call our 211 hotline anytime to speak to someone who can help you find exactly what you need.

My children and I need dental and vision care but can’t afford it, can United Way help? 

Yes! Check out our WellPartners website. WellPartners is a dental and vision clinic owned and operated by United Way of the Midlands with support from Lexington County, Lexington Medical Center, Palmetto Health, Providence Health and Richland County.

My prescription drugs are too expensive, are there resources for me?  

The FamilyWize Prescription Drug Card is a national initiative that was established to help people save money on their prescription drugs. United Way of the Midlands is one of nearly 1,000 United Ways in all 50 states that coordinates the local distribution of FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards. The card is absolutely free, is available to everyone and reduces the costs of medications by an average of 43%. There are no age restriction, no income restrictions, no limits on how many times you can use the card and no waiting to get a card. Visit the FamilyWize website for more information.

I need help filing my taxes, but can’t afford to pay an accountant. 

For those that qualify, United Way of the Midlands offers free online tax preparation software through a partnership with H&R Block, and supports The Cooperative Ministry's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Learn more about getting help with filing your taxes. 

 

Attention Nonprofits!

Help us help you.

If you are an organization trying to address an unmet need in the Midlands, get in touch to see how we can help. We have original research and reams of data on common societal issues, and we offer grants to help our community partner organizations solve tough problems.