Created out of emergency resulting from Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the James Island Outreach (JIO) was the primary result of area churches coming together to help those who had nowhere else to turn with the rebuilding of storm damaged homes. 

With the substantial alleviation of housing emergencies in the years following Hurricane Hugo, the focus of JIO changed from coordinating home repairs to providing and coordinating a variety of human services for our neighbors on James Island and Folly Beach. 

We are a focal point for the community, bringing together neighbors who need assistance and those who wish to help.  Our motto: “Helping Neighbors. Uniting Community” is the guiding principle behind the outreach.  Churches, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and passionate individuals support our mission with monetary and food donations, volunteer hours and in-kind support.  

JIO is a non-profit, tax-exempt agency.  It is supported through donations of time, food, and funds by area churches, congregations, businesses, and individuals.  The activities of JIO are governed by a Board of Directors made up of supporting congregation representatives and concerned citizens of the community.