Resources for Midlands Residents Impacted by Hurricane Helene: Food, Support, and Assistance Available

Resources Available for Midlands Residents Affected by Hurricane Helene

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left many residents in the Midlands working hard to pick up the pieces. As communities come together during this tough time, several organizations and businesses are stepping up to offer support, especially in the form of food and other essential resources.

SNAP Benefits Update

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) is actively working to assist those affected by the storm. They’ve announced a request for a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). If approved, this waiver would allow DSS to automatically issue federally funded food replacement benefits to individuals and families currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This assistance would target residents in counties where over 50% of the population experienced a power outage lasting more than four hours, following federal guidelines.

For those currently receiving SNAP benefits, the amount of replacement aid will be determined by their monthly issuance date. This is great news for those who may have lost perishable items during the power outages. DSS has emphasized the importance of seeking accurate information from trusted sources instead of turning to unverified rumors on social media. For verified updates, residents are encouraged to visit the DSS website.

Immediate Food Assistance Available

If you find yourself lacking food right now, there’s no need to worry. Your local food bank is ready to help, and there are emergency shelters and feeding sites operating in various areas. To locate these essential services, you can visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) website or call their hotline at 1-866-246-0133.

Community Support: Food and Showers

In addition to state support, local businesses are doing their part to help the community recover. For instance, JC’s Outdoor Equipment store, located at 126 Shore Road in Gilbert, is providing free food and even hot showers for anyone in need. They’re also open to cooking food for people who bring their own ingredients—talk about community spirit!

Another notable place stepping up is the Swansea First Baptist Church. They’re offering free showers and food for those impacted by the storm. On their Facebook page, they’ve shared that their shower units will be available from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., with food service running from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. They are even providing a space for you to refill your water containers and charge your devices—what a thoughtful way to help!

Resources from Local Authorities

Moreover, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has also shared several resources on their Facebook page, which can be helpful for residents looking for assistance this Wednesday. It’s essential to stay informed about the various services available as the community continues to work through the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Stay Connected

In these challenging times, feeling informed, prepared, and connected is crucial. As more resources and updates emerge, staying connected with trusted information sources will help navigate this recovery period. Remember, reaching out for help is okay, and your community is here to support you during this process.

As residents of the Midlands band together, it’s heartwarming to see so many people stepping up to help one another. If you know of additional resources available for those affected by Hurricane Helene, please share the information. Together, we can rebuild and support each other through this difficult time.