A shared interest expressed between multiple organizations creates common ground. In South Carolina, this common ground is helping tenants stay in their homes as the coronavirus continues to spread. Boots on the Ground (BOTG) is a grassroots initiative developed and deployed by Viriya Consulting for SC Housing’s SC Stay Plus rent and utility assistance program. This program is designed to help combat South Carolinian’s financial hardships experienced because of the #COVID-19 pandemic.
The BOTG initiative deployed program experts into communities across the state through partnerships with Libraries and Community Organizations to help renters without internet access or the means to submit paperwork to complete their application. Equipped with just laptops and Wi-Fi this team has contributed to the assistance of over 1,000 applicants; that is 1,000 families that may avoid homelessness or housing instability.
Going into the fall, the BOTG team will continue to aid in the application process for those struggling to pay bills or facing eviction. Team members can sign renters up on the spot and can assist with uploading the necessary documentation. So, whether’ it’s knocking on doors, attending vaccination clinics or holding mass sign-up events of their own, Viriya’s core purpose of serving communicates has been directly transferred to their Boots on the Ground Initiative.