Through the Equitable Resilience Program with EPA, SMM is working with 15 communities across the south and southwest. Georgetown is a coastal city rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. As the third oldest city in South Carolina, it sits at the confluence of 5 rivers: the Black, Great Pee Dee, Waccamaw, Sampit and Santee. This unique geography has shaped Georgetown's history and continues to influence its present and future.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the area was home to the largest number of enslaved Africans in the country due to the labor-intensive nature of rice production. Brought for their expertise in rice cultivation, these enslaved people formed the foundation of the Gullah Geechee culture that still thrives along the coast from North Carolina to Florida.

Georgetown faces an array of challenges, both environmental and socioeconomic. The city's location makes it particularly vulnerable to climate-related hazards, including hurricanes, flooding, sea level rise, and tornadoes. These challenges are compounded by socioeconomic issues. In the 2020 census, approximately 15.5% of the population lives below the poverty line, with even higher rates for elders.

The Georgetown Resilience Hub project envisions a future where resilience, sustainability, and economic opportunity converge. On a daily basis it will host workforce training programs, disaster preparedness classes, and office space for non-profits. In times of crisis, such as during hurricanes, it will transform into an emergency shelter and recovery center. It will serve as a distribution point for essential supplies and offer access to communication and resources crucial for disaster recovery.

By integrating these elements, the Georgetown Resilience Hub aspires to create a community that does more than survive - it aims to thrive. The project will lay the foundation for long-term resilience, enabling the community to better withstand and recover from disasters while building the economic and social infrastructure necessary for sustained growth and prosperity.