COLUMBIA, S.C. — With widespread property damage and power outages in the Midlands caused by Helene, many are wondering where to turn for help. News19 is on your side with a list of resources that may be helpful.
SC Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) Information Line
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) Public Information Phone System is available 24 hours a day. Call 1-866-246-0133 for information about shelters, resources and other information.
SC Department of Public Health (DPH) Care Line
Those who are dependent on medical equipment at home and are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. This includes people who have medical conditions that require electricity support and/or use a hospital bed/specialized medical bed at home. To find out if you are eligible for a medical needs shelter, call the DPH Care Line at 1-855-472-3432.
Care Line representatives will be available to answer questions about any DPH public health department services that are interrupted due to Hurricane Helene and provide other storm-related information.
Shelters
To find a shelter in your area, visit the SCEMD website or call 1-866-246-0133.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA may be able to help with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc). You may also qualify for help with child care, medical, lodging, etc.
Families needing assistance in their recovery efforts can check the website DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Harvest Hope Emergency Food Pantry
Midlands:
2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC
803-254-4432
Upstate:
2818 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC
864-281-3995
Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline
If you need help with damage clean up following Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386. Volunteers may be able to assist with:
- Mucking out
- Cleaning up trees
- Tarping roofs
- Clearing debris
All services are free. Service is not guaranteed.
If there is property damage from Hurricane Helene, report it using the Damage Assessment tool in the SC Emergency Manager app to notify authorities. Download the app on the App Store and on Google Play: http://onelink.to/dn92rx.
SC Dept. of Transportation
You can report issues on a state-maintained roadway by calling 855-467-2368. Their Call Center is open and operating.
SC Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
The South Carolina DUA program provides funds to assist people who became unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Helene, the effects of which began September 25, 2024. DUA is also available to small business owners and the self-employed, including 1099 contract workers, who have lost personal income due to the disaster.
If you lost work or were unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Helene, then please go to the MyBenefits Portal to apply for unemployment insurance and determine your eligibility for DUA. You can also visit dew.sc.gov and click the MyBenefits Login in the first circle of the homepage to apply through the unemployment insurance benefits system. For help, please call 1-866-831-1724. The deadline to apply for DUA benefits is Monday, December 2, 2024.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Assistance
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in South Carolina following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 25.
Apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants can also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 29, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 30, 2025.