Greenville Residents Struggle to Rebuild After Devastating Hurricane Helene

Greenville Residents Face Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

It was an ordinary Friday morning at the Howard household in the Greenville neighborhood of Sans Souci, which fittingly means “carefree” in French. But the atmosphere was anything but carefree as the remnants of Hurricane Helene unleashed chaos across the Upstate just three weeks ago. Families were gathered, breakfast was on their minds, but they were also grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest storms the U.S. has seen in decades.

From the comfort of their home, Brittany Howard, her husband Kevin, and their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter Lucy were moments away from breakfast when the unexpected struck—a tree crashed through their home, devastating the bedroom and kitchen and smashing into both of their cars. Fortunately, they had miraculously escaped the impact, with Wriggly, their sharp-eyed pitbull, sensing danger and diving under the bed just moments before the crash.

“We’ve been staying at my parents’ place for shelter,” Brittany shared. “Five people and a spirited toddler means we’re practically on top of each other!” While they try to make do, Brittany mentioned they plan to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) soon. “We’re hoping to find an apartment for six months—at least to start. It’s tough knowing I’ll be having a baby in March and not bringing that little one to our own home,” she lamented.

The Widespread Impact

The devastation isn’t limited to the Howards. Across Greenville and throughout Upstate South Carolina, many lives have been fundamentally disrupted by Hurricane Helene. The storm has claimed the lives of around 250 individuals and left at least 80 persons still missing across seven states. According to reports, this hurricane ranks among the deadliest in the last century, following only Hurricane Katrina back in 2005.

As you walk through the community, stories of loss and resilience emerge. Just ten minutes south in the St. Francis neighborhood, Sylvia Vandross and her son experienced the same devastation when a tree breached their home after 22 years. “It didn’t completely crush it, but it’s unlivable right now,” Sylvia explained. Thanks to the support of the United Way of Greenville County and their friends, they quickly found an Airbnb to stay in. “Hotels were at a premium, charging over $800 a week, even with discounts,” she noted.

Tough Choices and Temporary Solutions

Meanwhile, Tanya Lawless and her family faced a different kind of worry. Their home near Paris Mountain was heavily flooded, and now they’re navigating the lengthy process of securing insurance and estimates for repairs. Tanya expressed her frustration, stating, “I feel very isolated. Some neighbors lost power, but we had to pack up and leave our home.” The Lawless family had always lived in the hills, and flood insurance didn’t seem necessary to them until now.

As they bounced from one hotel to another and stayed with friends, Tanya’s ten-year-old daughter Elizabeth, who has special needs, felt the emotional strain of the upheaval. “Initially, I thought she was coping well, but soon she started self-harming by pulling out her eyelashes,” Tanya said. Thankfully, they quickly found a therapist, and Elizabeth has already managed to establish a connection over her love of soccer. “She’s done well in therapy. It gives me hope,” said Tanya.

A Ray of Hope

Tanya shared that a FEMA inspector provided them with reassurance, saying, “You guys are going to make it through this, and you’re going to be okay.” Those small gestures of kindness helped her feel less alone in the storm’s chaos. “He was like a shelter from the storm,” she remarked, feeling grateful for the comfort when everything seemed so overwhelming.

The resilience demonstrated by the residents of Greenville and surrounding areas showcases just how vital community support and human connection are in recovery. As families navigate the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, they find strength in each other and work toward rebuilding their homes and lives.

Indeed, while the storm might have torn through their lives, the spirit of togetherness and the determination to forge ahead shines brighter than ever.