Neighbors Helping Neighbors—The Heart of the Lowcountry in Action

Community Spotlight: Bluffton Self Help

Neighbors Helping Neighbors—The Heart of the Lowcountry in Action

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Bluffton feel like more than just a dot on the map, we’d argue it’s places like Bluffton Self Help—a nonprofit so rooted in community, compassion, and dignity that it might just embody the very soul of our town.

We at The Cobb Group absolutely love this organization. And we don’t say that lightly. Bluffton Self-Help is one of those rare gems that reminds you what it means to be a true neighbor. They don’t just serve the community; they are the community. From Bluffton to Hilton Head Island and beyond, they are quietly transforming lives across the Lowcountry—one bag of groceries, one GED, one helping hand at a time.

Founded in Bluffton and headquartered here, Bluffton Self Help now serves a growing population throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties, with clients from all over the greater Lowcountry turning to them for support, guidance, and hope.

The Market: Where Fresh Food Meets Dignity

Let’s start with The Market—a free grocery store open to anyone who lives or works in Bluffton. And this isn’t just a pantry with a few canned goods. It’s stocked like your favorite neighborhood market with fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, meat, and shelf-stable items. Clients—neighbors, really—shop weekly, saving up to $500 a month that can go toward other essentials like rent, childcare, or gas.

Volunteers bag the groceries and even help carry them to your car, Publix-style. Because at BSH, the focus isn’t just on food—it’s on dignity.

And it doesn’t stop at groceries. The Market also offers clothing, diapers, and hygiene essentials—all free, all with care.

Empowerment Through Education

Bluffton Self Help is also tackling some of the most critical barriers to economic mobility—education and training. Their roster of classes is impressive: GED prep, ESL, digital literacy, financial planning, resume workshops, even pathways to U.S. Citizenship.

And the ripple effects go far beyond Bluffton. Students from Hilton Head Island, Okatie, and surrounding areas regularly take part in these programs, expanding their skill sets and career prospects. In Q1 alone, students passed 42 GED subject tests (with a 95% pass rate!) and six neighbors proudly became U.S. citizens.

Take Miquel, for example. A native of Colombia, he came to BSH looking to improve his English. Now, he’s an ESL graduate, a U.S. citizen, and already dreaming about becoming a volunteer himself. That’s the power of opportunity—and it’s happening across the Lowcountry.

Case Management: Personalized Support That Makes a Difference

BSH isn’t about quick fixes—they dig deeper. Through one-on-one case management, they walk alongside neighbors to uncover the root causes of hardship. Whether it's budgeting help, finding stable employment, or just setting personal goals, BSH becomes a long-term partner in success.

This kind of individualized care turns moments of crisis into milestones of change. And it's available to anyone in need, whether they're from Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, or the broader Lowcountry region.

When Emergencies Happen, They Show Up

We’ve all hit those unexpected bumps in the road—unplanned bills, medical issues, job loss. Bluffton Self Help is ready when those emergencies hit, offering financial assistance to help cover utilities, rent, or other urgent needs. They even provide education scholarships for those seeking to further their studies.

This support system ensures neighbors aren’t just surviving—they’re finding a way forward. And their reach continues to grow, supporting families not just in Bluffton but throughout our coastal communities.

Stock the Market: Help Them Help Others

Every May, Bluffton Self Help runs their Stock the Market campaign to load up on non-perishables before summer hits—when school is out and grocery bills skyrocket. The need is real. This year alone, BSH registered 234 new families for The Market—a 32% increase from last year. They're now serving double the families compared to just three years ago.

And the cost to keep up? It will take $57,024 this year just to provide six eggs a week to the neighbors who count on them.

Impact in Action: Bluffton Self-Help’s First Quarter by the Numbers

If you're wondering just how much of an impact Bluffton Self Help is making—take a look at their Q1 stats for 2025. In just three months:

1,131 unique households served—a 7% increase from Q1 last year
455 new program enrollments across The Market, Education & Training, Emergency Assistance, and Case Management
151,167 pounds of groceries distributed, equating to $264,542 in food savings
8,723 items of clothing given out, saving neighbors an additional $49,986
$35,145 in Emergency Financial Assistance disbursed—a 33% increase from the same time last year
$105,900 invested in education programs, benefiting 353 students
8,976 school snacks distributed to all 10 Bluffton public schools
Over 8,000 volunteer hours contributed, valued at more than $270,000

These aren’t just numbers—they’re stories, lives, and futures being reshaped throughout Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and the entire Lowcountry.

Why We Care (And You Should Too)

Bluffton Self Help is the kind of organization that makes you proud to live here. It’s not just about charity—it’s about empowerment, community, and connection. It’s about creating a town—and a region—where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and someone to walk beside them as they do.

So whether you’re a longtime local, a recent transplant, or just dreaming of a life in Bluffton or Hilton Head Island, know this: places like BSH are why the Lowcountry feels different. Because here, we don’t just talk about helping our neighbors—we show up. Every single day.

The Cobb Group is proud to support local organizations like Bluffton Self Help. We believe in the power of neighbors helping neighbors—and in building a stronger Lowcountry, together.

Written by Allison Cobb

The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.

Posted by The Cobb Group on May 21st, 2025