What does Safe Harbour actually do?

Hilton Head Island Safe Harbour is a volunteer-driven, membership based nonprofit organization that provides transportation to Hilton Head Island residents who wish to remain in their home. Our members are mostly seniors, provide transportation to any Hilton Head Island resident who needs our services. We provide transportation to medical appointments, self-care appointments, social activities such as the Hilton Head Island Senior Center, as well as errands.

Safe Harbour will also provide respite care so the caregiver(s) can run errands and do things outside the home. The volunteers can also help with simple tasks such as changing light bulbs and replacing furnace filters.

Safe Harbour volunteers do not assist with laundry, dishes, personal health care, or anything that deals with members financials. These are outside of the scope of services that are provided.

I use a walker and sometimes a cane to get around. Is that a problem?

Walkers/rollators and canes are mobility aids that are acceptable. Safe Harbour currently does not have a wheelchair accessible vehicle to transport wheelchair bound individuals. 

What are the steps in becoming a member of Safe Harbour?

Complete the online membership application. Once Safe Harbour receives your application, you will be contacted to schedule an interview in your home.

The interview process allows the staff to get to know you and discuss what Safe Harbour does and answer any questions that you may have. We want to make sure you are in a safe environment and that our services will meet your needs. By the end of the interview a decision will be made to go forward with membership if it is a good match.

If accepted for membership, you will be asked to complete the membership form with more details, ie. doctors, emergency numbers, family members who we might contact if necessary.

How often can members use the Safe Harbour transportation service?

Safe Harbour will provide at least one trip per week and occasionally two trips if necessary. A trip may include a couple of stops like pairing a medical appointment with grocery shopping or another errand. We allot approximately two hours for a trip. Safe Harbour services are available Monday thru Friday.

How does a member arrange for the weekly trip?

Each member will receive a call from the Safe Harbour office on Wednesday or Thursday to find out what the member needs are for the following week. This information is entered into our volunteer management software where volunteers can view the trips available for the week. For insurance reasons, all trips must be scheduled through the Safe Harbour office.

Do I have the same volunteer each week?

No. Volunteers choose the trip (assignment) based on their availability. Though, it is possible, over a period of time, to have the same volunteer.

How will I know who my driver (volunteer) will be for my assignment?

A reminder message is sent to the volunteer and the volunteer will then call the member the day before the assignment to introduce themselves and discuss the trip.

Will the volunteer drive my personal car?

No. For insurance reasons, the volunteers will only drive their cars.

How are your volunteers selected?

Prospective volunteers complete a volunteer application online, they are then interviewed by phone or in person, after which a SLED background check and SCDMV driver's history check are completed. Once completed they are