South Carolina renters + homeowners who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for assistance through SC Housing’s new SC Stay program.
The $25 million rental and mortgage assistance program, funded by the CARES Act, aims to help residents facing possible eviction due to the inability to make housing payments. Those eligible are able to receive up to six months of payments —at a maximum of $7,500 — that can be used to cover late and/or future payments.
To qualify, residents must: • Have an income at or below 80%of the county median. • Prove inability to pay all or part of rent/mortgage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • Have a landlord or lender confirm late payment status + agree to accept payments on their behalf.
NEWS NOTES
Weather ○ 57º | Rain | 100% chance of rain
BlackHistoryMonth ○ James Hester is owner of the food truck + restaurantWholy Smoke. You can find hisbrick and mortar location in Mauldin at 447 W. Butler Rd. + his food truck around town to grab some great BBQ. 🍖
FeelGood ○ Over the weekend, Autumn, the Greenville Zoo’s pregnant giraffe, gave birth to her new baby. 🎉 Click here to see the new baby, and congrats to mama Autumn. 🦒
ForKids ○ Youth Soccer registration for children ages 3-7 isnow open through March 5. Games are played at Holmes Parkfrom March to May at a variety of times + dates. Register your little onehere. ⚽
Greenvillian ○ Local Greenvillian Maddie Downing is currently in first place forFavorite Chef sponsored byBon Appetit Magazine to benefitFeeding America. Each voter will be entered into a blind draw to win a cooking care package from Maddie herself. Vote for herhere. 🗳️ Coronavirus ○ VisitSCDHEC’s website for full coronavirus data + stats, andhere for daily positive COVID-19 cases + related deaths in South Carolina.
Cause ○ DYK that the YMCA of Greenville serves every age group — from babies and school-aged children to young adults, families, and senior citizens? The YMCA turns no one away due to inability to pay, and funds raised during their Annual Campaign help make that happen. Give to the Y. Ⓟ
Travel ○ Ready to travel (with safety in mind)? Consider a ~3.5-hour road trip to Beaufort, SC to dine outdoors with a view, stroll or bike past historic mansions, and feel that coastal breeze.Pro-tip:Peep their Instagram to kickstart your travel bug, then snag a great rate on downtown accommodations. 🌴 Ⓟ
Job ○Greenville Federal Credit Union is hiring an Account Specialistwho will answer incoming calls, focusing on assisting members with financial questions. Perks include a benefits package, PTO + 401K plan. See details + apply.Ⓟ
Dish ○ Daily Harvest helps busy folks stock their homes with clean, delicious food built on real fruits and vegetables. Choose from more than 80 chef-crafted recipes delivered to your door and ready to enjoy in minutes. Get $25 offyour first box with code 6AM. Ⓟ
DealOfTheDay ○ Education costs weighing you down?P.E.O. is offering loans of up to $20,000 at 2% for women’s post-high school education. See this and other optionshere. Ⓟ
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
Students at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research(CU-ICAR) were recently challenged to reimagine the BMW MINI + navigate which automotive innovations would be suitable for 2025 and beyond. Students came up withDeep Orange 7, the 7th generation of the Deep Orange Program. Check it out at the linkhere. 🚗
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #GVLtoday on social media.
Arts ○ Winter Session II | Mon., Feb. 22-Fri., March 26 | Virtual | Register here | Choose from a variety of five-week programs with the Greenville Center for Creative Arts. 🎨
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
Youth e-cigarette use in the U.S. has skyrocketed to what the U.S. Surgeon General and Food & Drug Administration have called “epidemic” levels| Photo provided by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Vaping + e-cigarette use among youth in SC is on the rise. In this #SlowtheSpreadSC podcast episode, Pediatrician Dr. Kyle Guyton discusses the considerable concern of compromised pulmonary function associated with vaping.
With the ongoing pandemic, teens who have been quarantining due to COVID-19 may be more susceptible to vaping. Dr. Guyton encourages parents + grandparents to talk to teens about the dangers associated with vaping, especially now.
Listen to his advice in this short, eight-minute podcast. Ⓟ