Efforts to repair homes, treat the sick and provide medical equipment for those in need got a boost recently when The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina presented its most recent round of community grants.

The foundation awarded $65,000 in Caritas grants to nonprofit and faith-based organizations that meet the basic needs of the underserved in South Carolina. The one-year grants go to organizations that serve the poor and are designed for agencies with annual budgets less than $600,000.

“This funding will support these organizations as they address daily those facing situational or crisis poverty,” said Mike McCabe, Sisters of Charity board chair.

Five organizations from the greater Midlands are among 24 statewide to receive grants.

•  Home Works of America, Inc. received $3,000. The agency provides home repairs and safety upgrades at no charge to disadvantaged, elderly or disabled homeowners.

•  EmmanuWheel received $1,000. The agency funds construction of wheelchair ramps for Lexington and Richland County residents.

•  Free Medical Clinic of Newberry County received $5,000. The clinic provides medical care to rural indigent patients.

•  Lab S Helping Hands received $1,000. The lab provides funding for an emergency food bank in Sumter and Lee counties.

•  Move of Faith Evangelistic Center received $2,000. The center is an emergency food bank for the poor in Aiken and Edgefield counties.

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System and seeks to address the needs of the poor and underserved throughout the state.

Caritas grants are up to $5,000 and are awarded twice a year. Organizations can apply by visiting the foundation’s website at sistersofcharity.com to get information on the application process. The next application deadline is April 2.

Homes for the homeless

Area residents responded in a big way to The Columbia Housing Authority’s recent call to help furnish 32 homes for homeless families and others in need.

The Housing Authority received more than 75 calls in a two-week period as it collected 14 mattresses, six couches, five living room chairs, 17 bed frames and headboards/footboards and various other furniture items.

“In the past three weeks, we have moved 10 homeless individuals and families into permanent housing and now have the furniture and household items to help them get started,” said Housing Authority representative Nancy Stoudenmire. “I was really touched by the people who called us. It was really heartwarming to know, once again, that the Midlands really care about homeless individuals and families.”

Fundraising outreach

Speak To My Heart Ministries is sponsoring a fundraising campaign for Columbia resident Wendell Singletary.

The 52-year-old Singletary was left and physically disabled and with brain damage following a series of asthma attacks. He is bedridden, on 24-hour care and goes to therapy two times each week.

The agency is hoping to raise $30,000 for a van to transport him to therapy.

Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to Speak To My Heart Ministries at Caravan of Love, c/o Speak To My Heart Ministries Inc., 198 Pump House Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180.