Help for trafficking survivors in South Carolina
We've found 8 places in South Carolina for people leaving trafficking, mostly in Columbia, and 7 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with benefits & cash (3), health & medication (3) and food (2).
Places in South Carolina
SC 211 (Midlands)
Round-the-clock information line that connects callers to food, shelter, utility help and other local services. Dial 211 in Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Fairfield, Orangeburg and Calhoun counties, or use the toll-free number from anywhere in the state.
Lighthouse for Life
Midlands nonprofit for survivors of human trafficking, running survivor support services, The Harbor and the Karis Home. Agencies refer through an online form; individuals in danger are directed to the national hotline.
South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force
Attorney General-led task force page listing the national hotline, the state Victim Advocacy line, certified Safe House programs and a county-by-county list of child advocacy centers and SAFE hospitals. Free tattoo removal is available through Soul Survivor Ink.
South Carolina Legal Services
Free civil legal aid for low-income South Carolinians: evictions and landlord disputes, family matters, Orders of Protection, benefits denials and record issues. One statewide intake line routes callers to the nearest of its offices.
Vital Records Section
State office for certified South Carolina birth certificates. The $12 search fee covers one certified copy if the record is found, and every request needs a current photo ID. Mail requests go to the West Columbia P.O. box.
Identification Cards
An original SC ID card or renewal is free for anyone 17 or older. Bring Form 447-NC, your birth certificate and recent proof of a South Carolina address to any branch; a temporary certificate is issued on the spot and the card arrives by mail in 7 to 15 business days.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Food benefits loaded to an EBT card. Apply through the DSS Benefits Portal or at a county office; the Richland County office on Two Notch Road handles Columbia-area walk-ins. Able-bodied adults without dependents face a three-month limit unless they meet work rules.
Healthy Connections Medicaid
South Carolina's Medicaid program. Apply at apply.scdhhs.gov without creating an ID.me account, by mailed paper form, or in person at a county office, FQHC or hospital. Pregnant applicants may get care while the application is pending.
National lines that work in South Carolina
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.