UMRC is a non-profit organization that rehabilitate homes for very-low income families in the rural areas of South Carolina.
2. In what areas does UMRC work?
UMRC works primarily in rural South Carolina, focusing on Berkeley, Charleston, Georgetown, and Dorchester counties. We only work in areas that are designated rural (determined by USDA Rural Development guidelines). To see if your address is in a qualifying service area, contact UMRC office headquarters.
3. How can I get involved?
The best way to get involved is through volunteering on the job site with us. To schedule a workday, you can call the office and speak with the Volunteer Coordinator, 843-884-4860. She can schedule you or your organization. We accept everyone from middle school students (with adult supervision) to retirees.
4. Do you work year round?
Yes. We work 12 months out of the year.
5. What type of work does UMRC do?
UMRC does everything from replacing leaky roofs and sagging floors, to replacing whole houses through our Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation program. Elderly Transportable cottages are utilized for the elderly and/or disabled to replace houses that are not feasible to rehabilitate.
6. How many programs does UMRC have?
There are three programs; Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation, ET (Elderly Transportable) Housing, and Homeownership. Under the Umbrella of these three programs, UMRC has four other projects, SCYS, Home Buddy, Houses on the Move, and Their Promised Land. For a full description of these program, please see our Programs page.
Volunteer Information
1. Do you provide lodging?
Yes. We have a volunteer house located in Mt.Pleasant (near the Isle of Palms Connector) that can accommodate 44 volunteers, and has a meeting space and fully equipped kitchen. If our volunteer house is occupied, we are able to provide other accommodations. We do request a $20 accommodation fee per person per night.
2. Is there a charge to work with UMRC?
Goups which require accommodations are requested to donate $20.00 per night per person. In addition, teams staying for a week are requested to donate $100.00 per person to help with construction costs. Please call the office at 843-884-4860 for scheduling.
3. How long is the workday? A typical workday with UMRC is 8 hours plus a lunch break, although, this schedule often varies. If the day is going to be hot, the teams will start work early in the morning and finish early as well. Frequently, teams which stay for a week will work Monday through Thursday, and take off on Friday.
4. What is the typical workday like?
There is nothing typical about the typical workday at UMRC. Depending on the particular project, volunteers may be working on painting, putting up siding, roofing work, etc. We definitely try to fit the skills of the volunteer to the work that needs to be done.
5. How many volunteers work with UMRC each year?
The UMRC works with approximately 1500 volunteers each year.
Client Services
1. What if I need help?Do you help only Methodist people?
We are an equal housing opportunity provider, and provide help to all qualifying individual regardless of religion, race, color, sex, familial status, handicap, or national origin. The first step is to call the office to see if your address is located in a qualifying area. If so, the next step would be to fill out an application. Call the office at 843-884-4860, and we will mail you an application, or you can stop in and see us.
2. Do you help pay light bills?
No.
Support and Sponsorship
1. Can I make a donation?
Of Course! We always welcome any support you are willing to give. Please see the Donation page of our website for detailed instructions.
