The God Particle

Connects the things that matter β€” Charleston, SC
Emergency? Call 211 for immediate help πŸ“ž Dial 211 now
🏠
Shelter & Housing
🍽️
Food
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Crisis & Domestic Abuse
πŸ‘Ά
Pregnancy Help
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Medical & Dental
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Government Benefits
πŸ’Ό
Jobs & Training
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Substance Help
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Get Your ID
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Warming Shelters
←All Categories
←Crisis & Domestic Abuse
If local shelters are full

Do not give up. Work through these steps one at a time.

Step 1
Call the National DV Hotline
National network β€” can find placements and paid motel stays when local shelters are full.
πŸ“ž 800-799-7233
24/7 β€” free and confidential
Step 2
Call 211 SC
Real-time shelter availability across all counties, including options outside Charleston.
πŸ“ž Dial 211
24/7 β€” free
Step 3
Ask My Sister's House about safe homes
Even when full, staff can connect to a private network of vetted host families. Ask specifically for this.
πŸ“ž 843-744-3242
24/7 hotline
Step 4
Ask about emergency motel vouchers
Some churches and nonprofits can pay for a motel night or two. Ask 211 or Crisis Ministries.
πŸ“ž Crisis Ministries: 843-723-9477
Daily 7am–7pm
←Government Benefits
🍽️SNAP (Food Stamps)
What is SNAP?
A monthly benefit loaded onto an EBT card you use like a debit card at grocery stores. A single person earning under about $1,600/month may qualify. Homeless individuals can apply.
Bring what you have β€” these help:
  • βœ“Photo ID or any ID you have
  • βœ“Social Security number (they can help you apply for one)
  • βœ“Proof of address (shelter letter works β€” homeless people can still apply)
  • βœ“Proof of income (or a statement that you have none)
No bank account needed. Benefits load onto an EBT card.
⚠️ Rules changed in 2025Able-bodied adults without children now face stricter work requirements. Call to confirm eligibility before applying.
Apply β€” SC DSS
Apply online, by phone, or in person. Urgent cases can get benefits within 7 days.
πŸ“ž 1-800-616-1309 🌐 Apply online at DSS
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm
←Government Benefits
πŸ₯Medicaid (Health Coverage)
What is Medicaid?
Free or low-cost health insurance from the state, called Healthy Connections in SC. Covers doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health, and hospital care.
⚠️ Important SC limitationSC has not expanded Medicaid. Adults without children or a disability often do not qualify even with very low income. Children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities have better options.
Bring what you have β€” these help:
  • βœ“Photo ID or birth certificate
  • βœ“Social Security number
  • βœ“Proof of SC residency (utility bill or shelter letter)
  • βœ“Proof of income (or a statement that you have none)
  • βœ“Immigration documents (if non-citizen)
Apply even if unsure β€” they will tell you. No bank account needed.
Apply β€” Healthy Connections
Apply online or call. SC Thrive can walk you through it for free.
πŸ“ž 888-549-0820 🌐 Apply online at SCDHHS
Mon–Fri 8am–6pm
SC Thrive β€” free application help
Helps you figure out what you qualify for and fills out the application with you.
πŸ“ž 800-726-8774 🌐 SCThrive.org
Mon–Fri
←Government Benefits
🧭Not sure what you qualify for?
Call 211 SC
211 specialists help you figure out which programs you qualify for and how to apply. Best first call if you don't know where to start.
πŸ“ž Dial 211
24/7 β€” free
SC Thrive
Free service that assesses eligibility for Medicaid, food stamps, and other benefits, then helps you apply.
πŸ“ž 800-726-8774🌐 SCThrive.org
Mon–Fri
←All Categories
πŸ“…Free Food β€” By Day
←All Categories
πŸ”₯Warming Shelters
Always check before goingCold temperatures alone don't guarantee a shelter is open. Check the Trident United Way list or call 211 before heading out β€” every time.
Holy City Missions at Aldersgate UMC
Charleston County's main cold-weather shelter. Free CARTA bus transport available.
πŸ“ž 843-744-0283
🚌 Free bus: CARTA Route 13 β€” Remount Rd/Allison Ave
1444 Remount Rd, North Charleston
β›” Do not come here without checking first β€” it may not be open even on cold nights.
Hibben United Methodist Church
Mount Pleasant warming shelter. Typically operates during winter months β€” exact season varies year to year. Opens on cold nights only when enough volunteers are available. Cold temperatures alone do not mean it is open.
🚌 Bus transport available β€” call 211 for pickup details
690 Coleman Blvd, Mount Pleasant
One80 Place / Crisis Ministries
Most reliable option on cold nights. Opens overflow warming capacity when temperatures drop below freezing β€” no reservation needed.
πŸ“ž 843-723-9477
35 Walnut St, Charleston
Salvation Army
Emergency cold-weather shelter β€” call ahead to confirm space is available that night.
πŸ“ž 843-747-4891
Call for current availability
←Home
✦About

The God Particle

This site is the answer to a prayer.

It started when a woman came to a food ministry in Charleston, SC β€” a place where volunteers gather weekly to provide hot meals, clothing, and toiletries to people in need. She had just escaped a domestic violence situation. The shelters she contacted were full. She was facing a third night on the street or a return to a violent home.

Nobody knew how to help her. Not because they didn't care, but because the resources that exist in Charleston are scattered, hard to find, and impossible to navigate in a moment of crisis.

thegodparticle.org exists to help people connect with the services they need. We connect the people who matter with the services that matter.

One place. Every resource. Always free.

If you know of a service, a ministry, a feeding group, or an organization that belongs here, we want to hear from you.

πŸ“§ contact.tgp.org@gmail.com

Information is provided in good faith. Phone numbers and hours change β€” always confirm availability before visiting, especially for shelters.