There are approximately 716,537 persons in the Palmetto State living at or below the poverty level (2000 US Census, Table STF 3 Profile). Working in partnership with the South Carolina community, the Office of Economic Opportunity* (OEO), administers and distributes funds for local initiatives in all 46 counties that are designed to appreciably impact the causes of poverty. The programs accomplish anti-poverty goals and permit maximum flexibility in meeting locally identified needs. Programs sustain the entire range of life necessities, including health care, education, employment, and housing assistance. Currently, the OEO administers five federally funded programs and one other-funded program; total annual funding is approximately ($50) million.

Each program operates on a different program year and applicants must be income eligible. Household income guidelines are based upon the federally issued Poverty Income Guidelines that are updated and published annually. Monthly household incomes cannot exceed 125% for Community Services, and 150% for (LIHEAP Services and 200% for Weatherization Services,) based upon the number of persons who reside in each household. These figures can be found here.

*Created by the Community Economic Opportunity Act of 1983. OEO is the state's administering agency for the Community Services Program.

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