Greenville Residents Rally Together for Hurricane Helene Recovery
On Friday, the bustling city of Greenville was a hub of hope and assistance as the community rallied to provide resources for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Within just the first two hours of the event, a remarkable 339 individuals walked through the doors of Greenville Technical College’s Student Success Center, eager to seek help and guidance.
A One-Stop Shop for Assistance
The first floor of the Student Success Center was transformed into an inviting space lined with tables bearing the emblems of various organizations such as Duke Energy, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and FEMA. Volunteers, who were easily spotted in their cheerful pink polos, guided visitors through the process of requesting assistance. They offered clipboards to help people fill out their personal information, while also inquiring about specific services they might need, including tailored help for veterans and seniors.
Brooke Bailey, the director of strategic communications for the South Carolina Department of Administration, marveled at both the turnout and the support being provided. “The services available and community turnout was pretty incredible,” she exclaimed, highlighting the community spirit that filled the air.
Personal Stories of Resilience
Among the attendees was Charlie Johnson, who had come with his wife after the hurricane wreaked havoc on their home, leaving two feet of flooding in the lower level. As he received crucial information about contractors to help with repairs, he expressed gratitude, stating, “This is good. … It’s amazing.” His sentiment was echoed by many in the lobby, all seeking ways to recover from the devastating effects of the storm.
Wanda Pearson, a local business owner, was also present at the event. Although her home remained unscathed, her business, C&W Pearson Florists, faced significant economic hurdles due to power outages. Thanks to the event, she was able to apply for FEMA assistance as well as small business support, providing her with a glimmer of hope amidst the challenging circumstances.
Round-the-Clock Support
Outside the Student Success Center, an organized drive-in service further emphasized the community’s commitment to supporting those in need. Vehicles rolled in to receive essential donations of water, diapers, and food—items that provided immediate relief to families struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In addition to these supplies, attendees could access vital services including WIC and SNAP benefits, along with support from the American Red Cross.
South Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor, Pamela Evette, attended the event and was impressed by what she witnessed. She mentioned that this was her third visit to the Upstate in just a week, having also attended similar events in Anderson and Spartanburg counties. “Everybody here is touching the need of every person,” she said, highlighting the importance of having myriad services available in one convenient location.
She praised the collaborative effort and the beauty of having various resources assembled together. This arrangement not only made it easier for individuals to find the assistance they sought but also introduced them to additional services they might not have been aware of, like mental health support and resources specifically for veterans.
Continuing the Journey
The community’s strength was palpable throughout the day, with many individuals leaving the event feeling empowered and informed. As Lieutenant Governor Evette boldly stated, “We are S.C. strong. It makes me so proud.”
Looking ahead, additional South Carolina Days are scheduled for other counties across the state, though residents of Greenville are still welcomed to join in on the ongoing efforts. To find a complete list of available services and dates, people are encouraged to check the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.
As the sun sets over Greenville, it’s clear that unity and resilience guide the community’s recovery journey post-Hurricane Helene. With shared support, valuable resources, and the dedication of volunteers, the people of Greenville are determined to emerge stronger than ever.
