From a clean shower to a backpack of essentials to a government-issued ID, these dignity-centered services remove barriers, restore hope, and help individuals take the first steps toward self-sufficiency in Beaufort and Jasper counties.
Dignity in Action – Meeting Immediate Needs, Opening Doors
United Way of the Lowcountry’s Dignity in Action initiatives address urgent barriers that
Backpacks for the Homeless: Small Gesture, Big Impact
Through community donations and fundraising, United Way assembles and distributes backpacks filled with essential items—food, hygiene supplies, and weather-appropriate clothing—to individuals experiencing homelessness. Partnering with local organizations and law enforcement ensures backpacks reach those most in need, providing comfort, safety, and a tangible reminder that they are not forgotten.
Homeless ID Program (HID)
Identification is key to independence. Many homeless individuals lack government-issued ID, preventing them from accessing housing, healthcare, employment, and other essential services. The HID program removes this barrier by helping individuals secure proper identification, opening doors to critical resources and restoring a pathway to independence.
Showers of Dignity
Cleanliness is about more than hygiene —it’s about hope.
The fully self-contained unit requires no external water or power, allowing it to be deployed anywhere in Beaufort and Jasper counties. The trailer features two private full bathrooms, including one that is ADA-compliant. It also offers comprehensive support, providing hygiene supplies and connections to resources for housing, healthcare, and employment.
The Showers of Dignity is currently deployed in downtown Beaufort (every other Friday night); at cooling and heating stations during extreme weather; and at partner events with local outreach agencies.