Disaster Recovery Center Opens to Aid Saluda County Residents Affected by Tropical Storm Helene

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Disaster Recovery Efforts in Full Swing Following Tropical Storm Helene

The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene continues to impact residents in Saluda County, but there’s a silver lining. Thanks to the opening of a Disaster Recovery Center, local residents are getting the help they need to recover from the storm’s damages. The center, located at the county administration building, has been buzzing with activity as multiple agencies join forces to assist those affected.

Valarie Clark, a resident of Saluda County, shared her story at the center, describing the havoc that Helene wreaked on her home. “It really did a little damage to my home; it blew out three windows in my home, I lost food, and that really affected me,” she explained. With two of her windows shattered from gusty winds and a third broken by a falling tree limb, Valarie found herself feeling devastated and unprepared for such an event.

Walking the Path to Recovery

Determined to get her life back on track, Clark visited the Disaster Recovery Center in hopes of clarifying her online application for assistance. “I did it online, so I’m trying to see if I did the application online right,” she said, representing the many residents who are navigating the recovery process for the first time.

At the recovery center, individuals like Valarie can access in-depth help for their applications for recovery funds. Tiana Suber, a spokesperson for FEMA, provided insights into the resources available at the center. “We have different agencies here that survivors can talk to, including us, including the SBA,” Suber stated. “We have our hazard mitigation program that gives advice about contractors and flood insurance and how to rebuild your home safe and better in case of a future disaster. And we also have representatives from the State of Resiliency.” The aim is to guide residents through the maze of recovery options and ensure they come out stronger on the other side.

Ready to Assist

If you’re wondering about the level of support being provided, you’ll be happy to know that FEMA has already approved over $150 million in recovery funds for South Carolinians affected by the storm. Right now, seven Disaster Recovery Centers are up and running, with more centers on the way in hard-hit areas.

Suber continued to explain, “Mostly people are coming in here for home repairs. A lot of people did come in here for food if they lost food, and that falls under serious needs assistance.” She mentioned that residents are primarily seeking help with home repairs, rental assistance, transitional assistance, and advice about resources like flood insurance and SBA loans. They’re also able to connect with state representatives to learn about additional help available through the state or nonprofit organizations.

What You Need for Assistance

There’s good news for anyone looking for help: residents don’t need an appointment to visit the Disaster Recovery Centers. However, Suber emphasized the importance of bringing all necessary documentation, saying, “It’s crucial to have your important documents with you.” This way, the process can be as smooth as possible, leading to timely assistance.

In Kershaw County, a FEMA Disaster Assistance Event is being hosted starting Monday at the United Way in Camden for those needing help registering for assistance. With the combined efforts of local governments and federal agencies, the path to recovery looks brighter for residents such as Valarie Clark, who had her life turned upside down by the unexpected impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.

As recovery efforts continue, the community is coming together to support one another, proving that even in tough times, there’s hope and help available for those in need.