Community Unites in Clinton to Provide Hurricane Helene Relief Resources

Community Comes Together in Clinton for Hurricane Relief Resources

On a partly cloudy day and cool weather, the city of Clinton witnessed a remarkable gathering as state and federal officials, alongside representatives from various nonprofit organizations, held a special event known as the Team South Carolina County Day. This took place on Tuesday at the Piedmont Technical College in the Laurens County Higher Education Center and was aimed at offering much-needed support to local residents affected by Hurricane Helene.

A Collaborative Effort for Relief

The event was specifically designed to help residents in surrounding areas including Laurens County, Newberry County, and Union County. It served as a one-stop opportunity for those in need to learn about the various relief resources available. With countless families still trying to recover from the devastating effects of the hurricane, this initiative was welcomed by the community with open arms.

Attendees had the chance to engage with a wide array of agencies, each coming with its own special focus:

• S.C. Department of Agriculture – Gathering essential impact data to prepare for upcoming Farm Recovery Centers.
• S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services – Offering counseling resources and information on substance use prevention.
• S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs – Sharing valuable resources for individuals with disabilities.
• S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce – Providing details about unemployment benefits, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
• S.C. Department of Environmental Services – Assisting private well owners with free test kits for those affected by floodwaters.
• S.C. Department of Health and Human Services – Offering information on health care services and Medicaid.
• S.C. Department of Insurance – Guiding residents through the insurance claim process and tips for avoiding fraud.
• S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation – Sharing knowledge on fire safety and OSHA regulations.
• S.C. Department of Mental Health – Conducting general screenings and sharing resources for mental health support.
• S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles – Providing assistance for residents who needed help with motor vehicle issues.
• S.C. Department of Public Health – Offering educational resources and onsite vaccinations for Tdap and flu.
• S.C. Department of Social Services – Guiding residents on SNAP benefits and support for those facing household misfortunes.
• S.C. Division of Veterans Affairs – Sharing information about services for veterans.
• S.C. Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) – Coordinating disaster assistance with FEMA and providing emergency preparedness resources.
• S.C. Housing Authority – Presenting rental listings and home repair resources.
• S.C. Office of Resilience – Connecting eligible citizens with disaster case managers for unmet needs.
• FEMA – Helping attendees navigate the process of applying for financial assistance related to the storm.
• U.S. Small Business Administration – Offering help with disaster loan applications.
• United Way Association of South Carolina/AmeriCorps SC – Sharing community volunteer opportunities.
• One SC Fund – Providing information on nonprofit resources available during the recovery process.

Looking Forward

The event was a great success, with many locals expressing gratitude for the resources made available to them. Whether it was navigating insurance claims, understanding unemployment benefits, or getting health care questions answered, residents left with a renewed sense of hope and clarity on the paths available for recovery.

The weather forecast predicts a high of 61°F with winds out of the north at 10 to 15 mph, reminding us that while the skies may be partly cloudy, the spirit of the community illuminates the path toward recovery. Even as the sun sets and temperatures drop to a low of 37°F tonight, the warmth of togetherness was palpable throughout the event.

With such passion and commitment shown in Clinton, it’s clear that the community will continue to rally together as they recover and rebuild from the storms of the past.