KARE provides food assistance for low-income clients who are:​

• Individuals under the age of 59 who are below 150% poverty level -or-
• Seniors 60+ who are below 200% poverty level -or-
• Experiencing a short-term crisis-or-
• Individuals who already qualify for SNAP benefits
• Must live in the Kershaw, Heath Springs, Liberty Hill, Cassatt, Westville, Bethune, and Jefferson zip codes. Must provide photo ID and Proof of residency.

Clients that qualify for food assistance are eligible for food every 30 days. Those interested in receiving food can stop by Monday- Thursday 8:30-11:00am to see one of our counselors.

*must bring in a picture ID and current utility bill, bank statement, or medical bill to every visit for proof of address.

Financial Assistance:

Bills are a part of everyone's life. They're completely unavoidable and what's worse, a couple of missed or late payments can really set you back and put you in a tough financial spot. We understand these challenges and want to help. 

KARE's Crisis Financial Assistance program is here to help clients dealing with a short-term documented crisis and is available for residents of Heath Springs, Kershaw, Cassatt, Westville, Bethune, and Liberty Hill. Clients who do not meet the requirements to receive financial assistance ARE still able to receive counseling and resource referrals as it pertains to their financial situation.

KARE's financial services are not intended to supplement any client's income or become a part of any client's annual budget. Funds for KARE's assistance programs are provided by local grants and donations and are not part of any federal or state funding initiative.

AN APPOINTMENT IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE. You can begin the application process by filling out the form below. One of our counselors will contact you after reviewing your application. Determination on assistance will not be made until AFTER your appointment is complete and all required documents have been received. If you have any questions regarding the completion of the application, call us at 803-475-4173 or email help@kershawkare.org.

Home Repairs:

Homeowners may submit a home repair application for critical home repairs at any time. Applications are available year-round at KARE during crisis assistance/food pantry hours. All applications must be completed with the assistance of a KARE counselor or staff member.

Please note that the completion of a home repair application does not guarantee repairs. We also partner with Youth Serve and i58 to help with repairs.

Requests can be found on our website at https://www.kershawkare.org/forms and https://www.kershawkare.org/home-repair. You can complete the application AND budget forms and submit them to KARE through email at info@kershawkare.org or fax them to 803-475-1282. Our financial counselors will contact you to complete your application.

The Exchange by KARE:

Located at: 405 S. Hampton Street, Kershaw, SC 29067

Our thrift store, the Exchange by KARE, is open to the public. We're stocked only through donations from our community members. We accept donations during  through our 24/7 donation bins located on the side of our building. If you need assistance with larger donations, you may drop off Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm and Saturday, 9am-3pm. Simply ring the doorbell at the back door and someone will assist you. All donations are tax deductible and receipts can be provided for any donation upon request.

In addition to clothing, our store also has housewares, home décor, baby toys, and furniture items, among many miscellaneous items.