COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has announced three new Team South Carolina events designed to help people directly affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Included in the announcement are events for two Midlands counties.
McMaster said Thursday that the events will be held on the following dates to serve residents in these counties.
- Tuesday, October 15, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
For Union, Newberry, and Laurens Counties
Piedmont Technical College, Laurens County Higher Education Center, 663 Medical Ridge Road, Clinton, S.C. - Thursday, October 17, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
For Barnwell, Bamberg, and Allendale Counties
USC Salkehatchie, Allendale (West) Campus, 465 James Brandt Boulevard, Allendale, S.C. - Friday, October 18, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
For Aiken, Saluda, and Edgefield Counties
USC Aiken Convocation Center, 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville, S.C.
McMaster said the events are designed to bring bring state and federal agencies together to provide local residents and businesses affected by the storm. He called it a "one stop shop" opportunity to learn and apply for relief sources that are available.
He said the events will feature representatives from the following state agencies:
- S.C. Department of Agriculture – Gathering impact data in preparation for upcoming Farm Recovery Centers (FRC).
- S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services – Providing counseling resources, alcohol and drug services and substance use prevention.
- S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs – Supplying information on resources and services for individuals with disabilities.
- S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce – Supplying information on unemployment benefits (including Disaster Unemployment Assistance) as well as employment services.
- S.C. Department of Environmental Services – Providing assistance for private drinking well owners and free test kits for those whose wells have been impacted by floodwaters.
- S.C. Department of Health and Human Services – Providing information on health care services and Medicaid.
- S.C. Department of Insurance – Providing information on the insurance claim process as well as coverage and insurance fraud prevention.
- S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation – Providing information on fire safety, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and residential builder information.
- S.C. Department of Mental Health – Providing general center-wide resources and personal screenings as appropriate.
- S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles – Assisting citizens attending the event.
- S.C. Department of Public Health – Providing information on Women, Infants and Children (WIC) educational resources and support as well as onsite Tdap and flu vaccines.
- S.C. Department of Social Services – Providing guidance on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Affidavit of Loss Due to a Household Misfortune.
- S.C. Department on Aging – Providing information on services for seniors.
- S.C. Division of Veterans Affairs – Providing information on services for veterans.
- S.C. Emergency Management Division – Coordinating individual disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will provide information for residents about personal recovery steps. SCEMD will also provide emergency preparedness guides and demonstrate the SC Emergency Manager mobile app.
- S.C. Housing Authority – Providing rental properties listing and potential resources for home repairs.
- S.C. Office of Resilience – Providing disaster case managers to assist eligible citizens with disaster-caused unmet needs through a basic intake process.
- FEMA – Providing assistance with registering for financial assistance related to the storm.
- US Small Business Administration – Providing assistance with applying for disaster loans.
- United Way Association of South Carolina/AmeriCorps SC and Local Chapters – Providing information on community volunteer opportunities.
- One SC Fund – Providing information on nonprofit resources during disaster relief.
- Other state and local nonprofit organizations.
State officials said 49 people have died in South Carolina from Helene. On Monday, South Carolina Emergency Management Director Kim Stenson said 29 counties are reporting 5,200 damaged homes, with over 300 of those being destroyed and 1,700 with major damage