History

Advisory Board of Helping Hand accepting
check from Bi-Lo Corporation         

           Helping Hand was organized in 1971 by the First United Methodist Church as an outreach ministry for teen age visitors to the beach.  It was first extended to include serving transients of all ages and a few local residents who
needed assistance.  This occurred in 1976.
            Helping Hand began its service to the community in a trailer that was placed
near Ocean Boulevard and 9th Avenue North. It was open only from late spring to early fall; the time that teen-age visitors were expected.  As clientele expanded, the trailer was sold and operations were moved to an office on Main Street provided by Myrtle Beach Farms Company.  When this space was needed for a parking garage, Helping Hand was moved to 1100 N. Oak Street where it remained until 1998.
In October, 1998, Helping Hand moved into the new Elizabeth Chapin Patterson
Community Assistance Center on 10th Avenue North.  This building provides homes
for three autonomous agencies, including the Community Thrift Shop and the
Community Kitchen.
            The clients served by the Helping Hand have changed profoundly in recent years.
They now serve more mature drifters, locals, and families seeking to relocate into
communities where employment opportunities are better.  The Helping Hand staff consists of a Director and Associate Director. These two part-time positions along with about 20 volunteers cover the center between
8:30 and 4:30 Monday through Friday. During the time the center is closed, the staff can also be
reached through the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
            Major Sponsors include: First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, Ocean View Baptist Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, Christ United Methodist Church, St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, First Baptist Church, Grand Strand Baptist Church, St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, and the United Way.