A Light in the Dark: South Carolina Responds to Hurricane Helene

As the residents of South Carolina continue recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene on September 27, there has been an outpouring of support and assistance to get through this challenging period. From fundraising events to necessary services reopening, South Carolinians are coming together to rebuild and recover.

Public Services Back in Action

In a welcome move, the Wellford Landfill in Spartanburg County has reopened, accepting household waste from folks across the area every day from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Collections of recyclable materials have also resumed at all but one of the local recycling centers, which operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday. The lone center that remains closed is Station 8 – White Stone, due to lack of power and equipment repairs.

The Town of Pacolet is partnering with the Lockhart Power Company to identify areas still without power and take necessary actions to restore services. Residents are being encouraged to stay in contact and provide updates to help speed up the process.

Financial Assistance for the Unemployed

South Carolina Governor McMaster, along with SC Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director William Floyd, have announced additional counties’ eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The eligible counties total upto 23 now, and they have been identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for possibly receiving DUA for the period of September 29, 2024, through April 5, 2025. DUA aims to aid those rendered jobless due to the calamity, including small business owners, the self-employed and 1099 contract workers. Applications for unemployment insurances and DUA can be made through the MyBenefits Portal or dew.sc.gov.

Fundraising for Disaster Relief

A heartening initiative to support families impacted by the hurricane’s flooding is a fundraising venture by Texas Roadhouse locations in South Carolina and south Georgia. Scheduled for October 9, the initiative aims to donate 100% of the night’s profits to the ONE SC Fund and the USO for Fort Eisenhower. The fundraising drive will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. at Texas Roadhouse locations in Anderson, Greenville, and Spartanburg.

Attention for Man’s Best Friends

The Spartanburg Humane Society has limited its operations and is now only open for lost dog walk-throughs from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Notably, they are currently in dire need of supplies such as cat food, dog food, cat litter, and newspapers, which can be delivered to 150 Dexter Rd. in Spartanburg. The Spartanburg Humane Society continues doing their best for our animal friends during such challenging times.

FEMA Aid and Insurance Claims Assistance

Residents of Greenville County suffering Hurricane Helene induced uninsured damage or losses are encouraged to apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA. This could cover their needs related to displacement and temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, loss of personal property, and other disaster-related necessities.

In addition, The South Carolina Department of Insurance (SC DOI) is due to host an Insurance Claims Village on Wednesday, October 9, providing consumers remote claims services and assistance with filing claims and answering insurance-related queries.

Social Initiatives in the Offing

Various organizations and communities are doing their bit to help those in need. The Greenville Humane Society and United Way (in Anderson County, Piedmont, and Greenville County) are requesting monetary donations to keep their operations running. The Spartanburg Humane Society is hoping to soon resume its adoption services and asks for support with supplies.

These acts of kindness, initiatives and efforts witnessed across South Carolina are testament to the belief that even through the dark clouds of adversity, the human spirit shines bright. South Carolina will persevere and rebuild, proving once again that hope and unity can weather any storm.