HELP of Beaufort

A Permanent Home for Lasting Hope

photos by VIRGINIA BRUNSON

HELP of Beaufort has served the Lowcountry community for the last 52 years with the basic needs of food, clothing, and financial assistance. In August, they celebrated a monumental milestone of opening their own permanent home thanks to their Executive Director Lori Opozda.

For more than 52 years, HELP of Beaufort has been a cornerstone of compassion in the Lowcountry, providing food, clothing, and financial assistance to those in need. This past August, the organization reached a milestone that was years in the making, the opening of its very own permanent home. Thanks to the dedication of Executive Director Lori Opozda and the generosity of the community, HELP of Beaufort now has a place to grow, serve, and thrive.

The road to this new beginning wasn’t easy. The project took four years from land purchase to completion, and along the way, there were challenges that might have discouraged a lesser team. But HELP of Beaufort and its supporters persevered. Partnering with Brunson Construction and with the unwavering support of local businesses, churches, citizens, and three $100,000 matching campaigns, the dream became a reality — all without a bank loan. Donations of materials, labor, and countless volunteer hours fueled the build.

Having been forced to move four times in just 11 years, the organization often faced costly and disruptive interruptions to its work. Now, with a permanent home at 1600 Ribaut Road in Port Royal, HELP of Beaufort is a stable and reliable fixture in the community, an anchor for those seeking assistance, and an open door for volunteers and donors who want to make a difference.

But HELP of Beaufort is far more than a food pantry. Their Mobile Meals Program delivers hot, prepared meals to homebound seniors who cannot cook, while their Mobile Pantry Program brings groceries directly to those who can. With their new facility, these vital services will continue to expand, reaching more neighbors in need.

The future also holds exciting new opportunities. HELP of Beaufort is launching a Client Produce Garden, an innovative project that will not only provide fresh, healthy staples for the pantry but also serve as the foundation for educational programs. Through partnerships with the Lowcountry Food Bank, the return of Cooking Matters classes will teach families how to prepare affordable, nutritious meals with simple ingredients. The garden will also be a hands-on learning center, offering workshops on everything from container gardening to raised beds. HELP of Beaufort hopes to host local schools as well, introducing students to the joys and benefits of growing their own food.

With a dedicated base of volunteers and a permanent home to build from, HELP of Beaufort is poised to expand its impact like never before. Their journey is a story of perseverance, love, and community, a reminder that when people come together, they can create something lasting and life-changing.
HELP of Beaufort is always looking for volunteers and support. For more information, visit https://www.helpofbeaufort.org. The new building is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.