COLUMBIA, S.C. — Residents impacted by Tropical Storm Helene were able to get some assistance today in Saluda County. The county administration building has had a Disaster Recovery Center open for a few days. Multiple agencies were there to assist people in need.
“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," said Valarie Clark, a Saluda County resident.
Clark has three broken windows on the side of her house. The gusty winds from Helene busted two of her windows, and the third window was hit by a tree Limb. She was devastated and didn't expect this to happen to her. Now, she is at the Disaster Recovery Center seeking help.
“I did it online, so I’m trying to see did I did the application online right," said Clark.
Residents like Valarie got more in-depth help with their applications for recovery funds.
“We have different agencies here that survivors can talk to, including us, including the SBA," said FEMA spokesperson Tiana Suber. "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."
So far, FEMA has approved over $150 million in recovery funds for South Carolinians. FEMA officials say seven Disaster Recovery Centers are open, and more are expected to open soon in other affected areas.
“Mostly people are coming in here for home repairs. A lot of people did come in here for food, if they had lost food, and that's under serious needs assistance," said Suber. "But mostly people are coming here for home repairs, rental assistance, transitional assistance, advice, like I said, on flood insurance, an SBA loan, and talk to the state representative about what other resources are available to them through the state or in nonprofits."
FEMA officials said residents don't have to make an appointment but must bring all their important documents.
For anyone needing help registering, Kershaw County is hosting a FEMA Disaster Assistance Event starting Monday at the United Way in Camden.