Residents in unincorporated Richland County were promised an opportunity to get help paying for rent, utilities, childcare and other expenses during a special outreach event Dec. 10 and 11 at Brookland Baptist Northeast church.
But just days before it was meant to take place, the event was canceled and dozens who showed up Wednesday were turned away.
Why? Because for the first time this year Richland County is being mandated by the federal government to verify the immigration and citizenship status of every person who receives assistance through the federal Community Development Block Grant program – the grant intended to pay for the financial assistance event that has for now been postponed…