Government and Community Services
The Department of Government and Community Services was created to:
- Facilitate improved community outreach
- Administration of government services
- Resolution of community issues
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MISSION
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To improve the quality of life for Richland County constituents through outreach, mediation, advocacy, strategic programming, and education.
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VISION
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Creating community, improving lives, and moving to excellence.
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ROLE
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- Develop productive relationships with community partners throughout the County.
- Engage and involve the public in policies and practices that directly impact communities.
- Measure impact of initiatives through surveys, reports, and involvement.
- Effectively communicate accurate and essential information to all audiences in conjunction with the Public Information Office and other County departments.
- Serve as an outlet between the County and its constituents, customers, and partners.
- Help satisfy unresolved issues and work to continuously improve public involvement in the government process.
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CONSTITUENT GROUPS
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- Elected officials and local municipalities
- Individual voters
- Residential communities and homeowner associations (HOAs)
- Business community
- Higher education
- Other county organizations (K-12 schools, churches, millage and ordinance agencies, etc.)
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Questions change everything in community engagement
Max Hardy - TED Talk (Click HERE to watch the TED Talk)
GCS Resources
GCS Resource Guide
Provides resources for housing, mental health, social services, and food
Richland County Emergency Rental Assistance
Richland County's Emergency Program to assist Richland County residents behind on their rent or lease. The attached flyer includes how to complete an application and additional contact information
Richland County ARPA Flyer
Richland County Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Agencies are welcome to apply for Rescue Plan funding in the following categories: Workforce Training, Broadband Services, Affordable Housing, Education Assistance, Home Repairs for Seniors, Addressing Food Insecurity, and services for unhoused individuals
SC 2-1-1
SC 2-1-1 serves as a safety net for all individuals needing help finding assistance, by helping improve the effectiveness and coordination of health and human services across the state. The statewide program provides information about and referral to health and human service resources. The service is available 24/7, 365 days per year. It is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.
SC Legal Services
Wateree Community Action- Electric Assistance
Wateree Community Action- Water Assistance
GCS Organization's of the Month (Archives)
February - Senior Resources
March - Sisters of Charity
April- Richland Library
May- Columbia Housing Authority
June- Homeless No More
July- Harvest Hope Food Bank
August - COMET
September- UWM Well Partners & Dental/Eye Clinic
October- MIRCI
November- Central SC Habitat for Humanity
December- Historic Columbia
February 2022- Reconciliation Ministries
March 2022- SC Dept. on Aging
April 2022-
May 2022-
June 2022- Pitch Inc
July 2022- Foodshare
August 2022-
September 2022-
GCS Organization of the Month
The Hive
Government and Community Services (GCS) is a proactive outreach arm of the County. GCS focuses on facilitating improved community outreach, administration of government services, and the resolution of community issues. GCS recognizes an “Organization of the Month” that exemplifies the importance of supporting the community and assisting in getting resources to those most in need. This month’s organization of the month is The Hive Community Circle.
The Hive Community Circle exists to ensure that all survivors of abuse and violence have equitable access to services and support that will foster healing, economic mobility, and self-sufficiency. The Hive provides counseling, peer advocacy, crisis management, safety and emergency funding/resources, and holistic wrap-around services free of charge, in an effort that safety and wellness can be a reality for all. Since their inception in 2015, The Hive has provided support, outreach, and resources to more than 400 survivors and through this expansion, hope, safety, and wellness no longer have to be an afterthought for one overcoming the trauma of abuse and violence.
Statistically, 60% of Black and Brown women and girls will experience sexual assault by the age of 18. The Hive also knows that when an individual is given the support, access, and necessary resources, the odds of statistics can be beaten. Recently, The Hive relocated to a site in the 29203 North Main Corridor with an opportunity to continue to provide services in the Richland County community and state-wide. GCS attended the event to show support for The Hive and the amazing work they are doing in the community.
To further connect with The Hive or volunteer, contact Tayler Simon at tayler@thehivecc.org
Richland County Emergency Rental Assistance
UPDATE (SEPT. 22, 2022):
Richland County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is accepting its last round of new applications for rental and/or utility assistance through Friday, Sept. 30. To access the application for emergency rental and utility assistance, please click here.
Existing applicants do not need to reapply; however, please be prepared to provide updated documentation for eligibility determination and accurate assistance. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and priority status, in accordance with U.S. Treasury guidelines, for as long as funding is available.
Richland Library offers help to residents filling out the application. Applicants can email socialworker@richlandlibrary.com.
For more information, contact the County's call center: 855-216-9198, or email the ERAP team: erap.richlandcounty.sc@tetratech.com.
Helpful links (PDF format)
Contact Us
| GCS Contact |
Position |
Phone |
Email |
| Bryant Davis |
Assistant Director of Government and Community Services |
(803-576-1546 |
davis.bryant@richlandcountysc.gov |
| General Inquiries |
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gcs@richlandcountysc.gov |
GIS Mapping
To view Richland County GIS Mapping (Click Here)