The date was 1989––a date that most everyone living East of the Cooper knows (and if not the date, the event that occurred during that time)—Hurricane Hugo. The storm hit our area and changed lives—some more than others; but no one was spared, whether it was a roof caving in on a car, trees falling, the loss of electricity and communication, or the loss of life.  Hugo touched us all.

 

No one would ever say that Hugo was a good thing. However, looking back there are some good things that came from that storm of 1989.  Among them is the sensitivity and understanding that has been expressed to others since that time.  Another is a greater awareness of others and their needs that has led to action.

 

This awareness leading to action is seen in the instant response that many in the Charleston area have provided to other areas throughout the country that have been faced with Hurricanes since Hugo.  We understand what those communities are going through and that understanding can be and has been translated into action by sending volunteers to other cities and states who have felt the impact of their own “Hugo.” 

 

However, there is another good thing that came from Hugo that has not required our going to Florida or Louisiana but was found in East Cooper.  That is the fact that in the time of crisis we are all (regardless of race, age, income or faith) neighbors.  Immediately following Hugo many local churches and other organizations mobilized to respond to the missing needs of every day life.  The effort from Christ Our King Church, led by Rev. Monsignor James Carter, recognized that as in similar tragedies the group most in need after Hugo was the poor.  No one had been spared the ravages of Hugo but many were less able to cope. 

 

This reality became clear to Rev. Monsignor Carter and as he and Christ Our King responded to the needs of the poor it quickly became obvious that there had been a long list of needs related to poverty before Hugo and there would be a longer list after Hugo.

 

Through Rev. Monsignor Carter’s efforts, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) was born with the commitment to continue what was begun after Hugo— Neighbors Helping Neighbors.  Neighbors had been changed forever by Hurricane Hugo.

 

Since that time ECCO has continued to expand the theme of Neighbors Helping Neighbors by providing services to those in need and finding partners to expand the number and types of services.

 

ECCO and its partners now offer a broad outreach for the under-served that includes:

·       a state-of-the-art dental clinic with local dentists donating their services

·       a prescription medicine assistance program

·       medical services in partnership with MUSC

·       a food pantry

·       emergency financial assistance for utilities and housing

·       donated household goods and clothing

·       client counseling and referrals. 

 

The dental and prescription medicine programs alone reflect nearly $1 million per year in value-added services provided to over 2,000 clients.

 

The mission of Neighbors Helping Neighbors is clear.  But as the community grows so do the needs.  Therefore, in 2005 the decision was made to advance the mission of ECCO by beginning an effort to raise 1.2 million dollars over a multi-year period  Pat Ilderton assumed the leadership as chair of the effort, Advancing the Mission.  Ilderton, a custom home builder on Sullivan’s Island, has been relentless in the campaign. His efforts have been valiant. He has approached friends and businesses with the cause of helping those who have the least. He has even taught others to be courageous in making appeals to help the poor.

 

The decision was made that 50% of the campaign goal ($600,000) would go to strengthening core services that have been so successful in helping our neighbors meet their basic needs; food, clothing, emergency financial assistance, health and dental care, and with prescription assistance.  At the same time, ECCO will continue to investigate and address the root causes of poverty. 

 

There are literally hundreds of stories of neighbors like Kerri Costa who have been touched by the efforts of ECCO.  Ms. Costa, a disabled nurse with two children who have special needs, has been helped by ECCO’s prescription assistance program, which saves her $1,500 per month.

 

The reality is that in East Cooper there is poverty, in East Cooper there is hunger, in East Cooper there are people in need.

 

There is another reality that in East Cooper there are neighbors who care and support participation in ADVANCING THE MISSION to assure these programs and services are maintained and expanded as needed.