Crisis Relief Ministry
The Crisis Relief Ministry is an extension of area churches and provides direct crisis assistance to those in need (financial assistance, food, clothing, miscellaneous in-kind items and referrals to community partners). We address the root causes of affliction in light of Scripture and encourage healthy relationships and goals. All interaction with our clients is carefully recorded for future reference. We are accountable to our community, our partners, and our clients, but above all we are accountable to God. We work within His realm of grace, as the Lord and Savior gives us grace. This ministry also exists to alleviate the majority of benevolence requests to area churches. We depend upon churches for volunteers, contributions and prayer and work to assist them in compassionate but wise responses to requests for assistance. Roughly 95% of our funding is through private donations. Each client is required to bring a photo ID, their Social Security card, and the names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers of everyone living in the house. All information is verified before giving assistance. Please call SUM for CRM hours at 803-775-0757 or visit sumterunitedministries.org. Construction Ministry
The Construction Ministry focuses on making homes dry, safe, secure, and accessible. We accomplish this in two ways:
1) Wheelchair ramps may be built for those experiencing mobility challenges. We rely upon area churches and other groups to provide labor. Most ramp projects are one-day projects and are a great opportunity for church missions and morale-building projects.
2) Home repair is accomplished through Restore Projects. As work is done by volunteers from local churches and civic groups, we seek to be the hands and feet of Christ in our local community. Homeowners are selected from applications and any resident may be recommended by community agencies, churches, and individuals. Restore projects meet specific housing needs of the poor and elderly in Sumter, spreading hope and to minister to our community emotionally and spiritually. By meeting physical needs, we allow those in need to be touched by love and compassion. If you have a specific housing need (wheelchair ramp, porch rail) or problem (damage or decay), which you cannot address due to financial limitations, you can download an application from our website or pick one up at our office. Shelter Ministry
The primary service of the Shelter Ministry is our Emergency Shelter, a temporary shelter seeking to minimize the physical and spiritual impact of extreme poverty and homelessness by providing rest and nourishment. We partner with local churches to initiate and facilitate healing and restoration. Our goal is to help residents glorify God by leading productive and independent lives. We operate with the belief that EVERYONE can have new life through faith in Christ, setting us free from sinful habits, addictions, and anxiety from life's difficulties, empowering us to live victoriously in His righteousness. If you are in need of temporary shelter, call SUM at 803-775-0757 or visit our main office during daytime hours. Medical Minstry
The Medical Ministry operates a free Medical Clinic available residents of Sumter County meeting the following criteria:
1) Working and uninsured Qualifying individuals must work 20 or more hours a week, have no form of insurance, and are at or below 200% government poverty level guidelines.
2) Full-time college students
The Medical Clinic is staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and receptionists. A Qualification Interview can be scheduled by calling SUM at 803-775-0757. You must bring your photo ID, SS card, and 2 months of pay stubs to your interview. Education Assistance Ministry
Single parents may be able to receive assistance for tuition, books, etc., as well as free childcare to go to college. Please call SUM at 803-775-0757 for more info.
