TODAY
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, SC
See below for more information.
Volunteer Opportunity
Time Commitment:
- Shifts are a minimum of 9 hours up to 12 hours. Shifts will begin in the parking lot of the Greenville, SC Red Cross Office (940 Grove Rd, Greenville SC 29605)
Qualifications:
- At least 18 years old
- Comfortable using a smartphone
- Able to work outdoors and physically able to walk on rough terrain
- Have an active Driver’s License and can drive long distances
Training:
- Training will be provided at the Greenville Red Cross (940 Grove Rd, Greenville SC 29605) at 8 am.
Next Steps:
- Please sign up to be a Red Cross volunteer at www.RedCross.org/VolunteerToday
- Once you receive the email that your background check has cleared, visit the Local Disaster Responder Shift Calendar. to view and sign up for the “Greenville County, SC - Disaster Assessment Team - Greenville Red Cross Office” shift on your chosen day from 8:00am – 8:00 pm.
- Need help signing up for shifts? Contact stephanie.johnson5@redcross.org
Business Resources
If you have business losses, including property damage and economic losses, you may qualify for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Visit the MySBA Loan Portal to learn more and apply.
You may also qualify for help from these agencies.
If your business sustained any damage during Hurricane Helene, you can report the damage by completing the South Carolina ESF-24 Emergency Response Survey. Emergency Support Function (ESF)-24 exists to support business and industry during natural disasters. The South Carolina Department of Commerce is the coordinating agency for ESF-24, which is made up of 13 agencies and organizations that integrate with the business community including the SC Chamber.
The S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (LLR) provides the following tips for businesses and consumers seeking repairs after Helene:
- Document damage prior to starting repairs.
- Hire only licensed and insured contractors. Use LLR's "Licensee Lookup” to verify a contractor’s license.
- Check for necessary permits and inspections.
- Report unlicensed contractors to LLR or local authorities.
Businesses can report damages through the SCEMD app.
Any questions or unmet needs for business owners can be directed to esf24@emd.sc.gov
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
Click here for the application link, and eligibility requirements, for the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (RDRF). A partnership between DoorDash and Hello Alice, restaurants, gastropubs and bakeries with brick & mortar locations that have lost revenue from a disaster may apply for $10,000 grant awards from the RDRF program. The program is accepting entries this round up December 2, 2024 at 6PM EST. To read complete terms and conditions of program, click here.
State Resources
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, SC
Team South Carolina events will include representation from the following agencies:
- SC Department of Agriculture – Gathering impact data in preparation for upcoming Farm Recovery Centers (FRC).
- SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services – Providing counseling resources, alcohol and drug services and substance use prevention.
- SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs – Supplying information on resources and services for individuals with disabilities.
- SC Department of Employment and Workforce – Supplying information on unemployment benefits (including Disaster Unemployment Assistance) as well as employment services.
- SC Department of Environmental Services – Providing assistance for private drinking well owners and free test kits for those whose wells have been impacted by floodwaters.
- SC Department of Health and Human Services – Providing information on health care services and Medicaid.
- SC Department of Insurance – Providing information on the insurance claim process as well as coverage and insurance fraud prevention.
- SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation – Providing information on fire safety, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and residential builder information.
- SC Department of Mental Health – Providing general center-wide resources and personal screenings as appropriate.
- SC Department of Motor Vehicles – Assisting citizens attending the event.
- SC Department of Public Health – Providing information on Women, Infants and Children (WIC) educational resources and support as well as onsite Tdap and flu vaccines.
- SC Department of Social Services – Providing guidance on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Affidavit of Loss Due to a Household Misfortune.
- SC Department on Aging – Providing information on services for seniors.
- SC Division of Veterans Affairs – Providing information on services for veterans.
- SC 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.
- SC Housing Authority – Providing information on mortgage or rent assistance, rental housing.
- SC 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.
The FEMA program provides direct financial assistance to residents who incurred uninsured damages to their property as a result of the storm. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA the number for that service. More information about this program can be found here.
You will need this information to register:
- Social Security number
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residency
Individual Assistance
FEMA may be able to help you with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc). You may also qualify for help with child care, medical, lodging, moving, and funeral expenses.
- First, we'll ask you about your needs
- Next, we'll help you create an account or sign in to Login.gov.
- Then, you'll come back to DisasterAssistance.gov to finish and submit your application to FEMA.
It's okay if you don't have all the details for your application now. After you create an account, you can save your progress and come back to finish it later.
For Unemployment Assistance
Each state handles their own unemployment benefits programs.
You can find your state's program with the CareerOneStop Unemployment Benefits Finder tool.
The SC Emergency Resources Dashboard is a one-stop-shop portal for the latest information during times of disaster including power outages, road and bridge closures, shelter locations, executive orders, and more.
Agriculture Resources
The Clemson Cooperative Extension continues assessing the impact of Helene on South Carolina agricultural production. Agribusinesses can share impacts and losses to the production of animals and crops via this online assessment.
Road Conditions
We encourage anyone who is traveling during this time to stay up-to-date with the SCDOT's advisories as some roads may be impassable due to damage from the storm:
511 Traveler Information System: Provides real-time traffic camera images and travel time estimates.
Road Conditions - Check current road conditions using the Roadway Information System
You can report issues on a state-maintained roadway by calling 855-467-2368.
From the IRS
IRS provides relief for Helene; various deadlines postponed to May 1, 2025; part or all of 7 states qualify - IR-2024-253, Oct. 1, 2024 — The Internal Revenue Service today announced disaster tax relief for all individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene, including the entire states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina and parts of Florida, Tennessee and Virginia.
Disaster Relief Organizations
American Red Cross of South Carolina
1.800.435.7669
The American Red Cross provides feeding, short term sheltering, mental health counseling and disaster case management.
801.240.1000
Latter-day Saint Charities distributes supplies to disaster survivors and participates in cleanup efforts.
Lutheran Disaster Response — Lutheran Disaster Coalition of the Carolinas
803.567.1130
Lutheran Disaster Response helps with long-term recovery including cleanup and rebuilds.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
866.732.6121
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance sets up “Volunteer Villages” to house volunteers for rebuilding.
1.800.725.2769
The Salvation Army provides sheltering, food service and delivery, and disaster case management.
1.800.528.1980
Samaritan's Purse mobilizes staff and equipment and enlists volunteers to provide emergency aid to survivors of natural disasters.
Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief
803.227.6031
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief provides food service preparation and cooking, muck removal, debris removal and rebuilds.
United Methodist Committee on Relief
1.800.554.8583
The United Methodist Committee on Relief provides supplies and care in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and supports long-term rebuilding efforts.
803.929.1000
The United Way of South Carolina coordinates volunteers for disaster response and recovery.
A note from the Chamber...
Your Laurens County Chamber is collecting information to be a resource for those facing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Thank you to all of the first responders, healthcare workers, linemen, County leaders, business leaders, volunteers, and neighbors across Laurens County and from other communities who have worked tirelessly throughout this storm to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Laurens County residents during this crisis. The resilience and bravery of those on the frontlines represents the best qualities of our citizens and gives us hope that we will get through this difficult time together.