Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Gaffney to Assist Storm Victims as Federal Funding Becomes Available

Disaster Recovery Center Opens to Aid Storm-Hit Locals – Federal Funding Now Available

GAFFNEY – Relief is finally in sight for folks whose homes bore the brunt of storm Helene’s devastating winds and rain. As recovery continues weeks after the tempest lashed the Carolinas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has swung open the doors of a new Disaster Recovery Center. Several hundred people flocked to the center on its opening day in the welcoming surrounds of East Gaffney Baptist Church.

The news gets even brighter: This is just one of seven such centers FEMA has laid out across South Carolina to help process damage claims. Each offers a one-stop solution for disaster relief assistance.

Undoubtedly, storm-weathered South Carolinians could do with some sunshine. Many are still reeling from loss and damage. According to FEMA spokesman Gabriel Gonzalez, there is a definite need to support those folks reeling from the storm’s impact. “People here are still lost,” he stated.

The good news? FEMA offers financial assistance to help put you back on your feet. Those eligible could bag an initial $750 based on a serious needs assessment. This sum is designed to help pay for life’s essentials. Additionally, households can receive up to $42,500 to help bankroll property damage repairs. Those in the need of urgent help continue to apply for financial assistance, with FEMA receiving an average of 10,000 applications per day.

Vital Information for Applicants

For those hoping to feel a little financial sunshine, take note of this crucial info: you will need the following to apply: a photo ID, banking info, proof of residency, photos cataloging the damage, and a contractor’s assessment of repair costs.

You will also need a little patience. Once an application is submitted, it takes roughly two weeks for a FEMA-approved inspector to survey the damage. And if your grant application is given the green light, expect to wait about five weeks for your cash to come through.

Beware of Scams!

While we all look for a silver lining in every cloud, Gonzalez has sounded a warning: Be on the lookout for scams! Fraudsters have been known to pose as FEMA representatives and knock on doors. Just remember, FEMA agents never ask for money upfront or offer to file a claim or do an inspection for a fee.

For those in need of assistance, help is only a click or phone call away. Applications can be filed online or by phone.

Disaster Recovery Center Locations – Now Open in These Counties

• Cherokee County: East Gaffney Baptist Church, 2308 Cherokee Ave., Gaffney
• Saluda County: County Administration Building, 407 W. Butler Ave., Saluda
• Anderson County: Anderson County Library, 300 N. McDuffie St., Anderson
• Greenville County: Freetown Community Center, 200 Alice Ave., Greenville
• Laurens County: Laurens County Public Library, 1017 W. Main St., Laurens
• Pickens County: Capt. Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library, 304 Biltmore Road, Easley
• Aiken County: Nancy Carson Library, 135 Edgefield Road, North Augusta

Note: An additional center in Spartanburg County is in discussion. No center has been established here as of now, but rest assured, local officials are on the case, exploring several potential sites for a new Disaster Recovery Center.