Federal Disaster Assistance Declared for South Carolina Following Hurricane Helene

Federal Disaster Assistance Available for South Carolina After Hurricane Helene

In the heart of South Carolina, communities are coming together to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, which swept through the state starting on September 25, 2024. The good news is that federal disaster assistance has officially been made available to help residents and business owners in the affected areas.

What Does This Mean for Residents?

The announcement from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) means that residents in several counties—including Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg—can breathe a sigh of relief. Individuals and businesses affected by the hurricane can begin to access funds specifically designated to aid in recovery efforts.

Types of Assistance Available

The federal funding comes in a variety of forms, designed to help people get back on their feet. Here’s a brief overview of what’s available:

• Grants for Temporary Housing: If you were displaced from your home due to the hurricane, these grants can provide much-needed support for temporary living arrangements.
• Home Repairs: Assistance is available for those needing help to repair their homes or make them safe again.
• Low-Cost Loans: For businesses and homeowners with uninsured property losses, loans are available to help cover those losses. This can be a lifesaver as you begin to rebuild.
• Hazard Mitigation Programs: These programs are aimed at creating strategies to minimize the impact of future disasters. It’s an essential step to ensure communities are ready when the next storm hits.

Funding for Local Governments and Nonprofits

Alongside individual assistance, federal funding is also available to state, local, and tribal governments, as well as eligible nonprofit organizations. This funding will help cover costs incurred during emergency work and recovery efforts, enabling a quicker response and more comprehensive recovery for our communities.

Governor’s Request for Assistance

Recognizing the urgent need for help, Governor Henry McMaster has already requested an Expedited Major Presidential Disaster Declaration. This declaration is intended to bolster both state and local response efforts and includes requests for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program grants. Gov. McMaster’s proactive approach shows strong leadership in times of crisis.

Getting Help

If you live in any of the designated areas and have experienced losses due to Hurricane Helene, it’s time to take action! You can start applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or you can call 1-800-621-3362. There’s also a handy FEMA App that you can use to get the help you need. If you use a relay service (like video relay service or captioned telephone service), be sure to give FEMA the number for that service when you reach out.

Looking Ahead

Brett H. Howard has been appointed as the Federal Coordinating Officer for the recovery operations in the affected areas. As damage assessments continue, more funding and support may become available to help additional areas that were impacted.

In these challenging times, it is essential for South Carolinians to stand strong together. The journey to recovery may be long, but with the resources now available, hope is on the horizon!