Category: News

By Graham Lee. Originally posted October 17, 2024 by WJBF News Channel 6

ALLENDALE, S.C. (WJBF) – South Carolina state leaders continue to visit our local counties following Hurricane Helene—which hit the CSRA exactly three weeks ago.

Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette took the trip from Columbia to Allendale to help with recovery efforts. 

Since Helene hit our area, state leaders have been working to organize Team South Carolina County Days.

The first one was Tuesday, October 15th at Piedmont Technical College in Laurens County, South Carolina. 

Organizations and agencies from across the Palmetto State met at USC Salkehatchie to offer a quick one-stop shop to meet the needs of those affected by the hurricane.

“FEMA is here (and that gets the ball rolling), Director Duncan with the Office of Resiliency—which is our state version of what FEMA does with resources. We also have every other state agency, and you just don’t realize how valuable this is until you start to see people walking in,” said Evette.

The following agencies were in attendance: 

• S.C. Department of Agriculture: Gathering impact data in preparation for upcoming Farm Recovery Centers (FRC)
• S.C. Department of Alcohol: Providing counseling resources, alcohol, and drug services and substance use prevention
• S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs: Supplying information on resources and services for individuals with disabilities 
• S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce: Supplying information on unemployment benefits (including Disaster Unemployment Assistance) and employment services
• S.C. Department of Environmental Services: Providing assistance for private drinking well owners and free test kits for those whose wells have been impacted by floodwaters
• S.C. Department of Health and Human Services: Providing information on health care services and Medicaid
• S.C. Department of Insurance: Providing information on the insurance claim process and coverage and insurance fraud prevention
• S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation: Providing information on fire safety, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and residential builder information
• S.C. Department of Mental Health: Providing general center-wide resources and personal screenings as appropriate
• S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles: Assisting citizens attending the event
• S.C. Department of Public Health: Providing Information on Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), educational resources and support, and onside Tdap and flu vaccines
• S.C. Department of Social Services: Providing guidance on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Affidavit of Loss due to a household misfortune
• S.C. Department on Aging: Providing information on services for seniors
• S.C. Division of Veterans Affairs: Providing information on services for veterans
• S.C. Emergency Management Agency: Coordinating individual disaster assistance with FEMA, and will provide information for residents about personal recovery steps
• S.C. Housing Authority: Providing rental properties listing and potential resources for home repairs
• S.C. Office of Resilience: Providing disaster care 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
• U.S. 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 

Two weeks ago, Evette joined Governor Henry McMaster for a visit to Edgefield County. At that point, 53% of residents were still without power, but now that’s not the case. 

“I heard on Saturday morning that the Co-Op in Edgefield County got their last person back up and running with power on Friday around 8 o’clock, so that’s good. As for the Internet, our internet providers can’t get on the poles until the electric is done,” Evette said. “So as soon as the electricity is on and it’s safe for them to go, they’ll be on the job in a jiffy.”

Residents from Edgefield, Barnwell, and Bamberg counties were able to take advantage of the services.

Leaders from those state agencies say they’re just happy to help.

“One thing our agency does for low to moderate income individuals is if their homes are damaged or destroyed by a disaster, if they meet the qualifications, we can repair or replace their homes,” said S.C. Department of Resilience Rep. Ben Duncan. 

“We are just here at this location to help people understand the registration process. To register for disaster assistance, ask us questions about the process, and just answer any questions whatsoever that they might have about the recovery,” said FEMA Rep. Nikki Gaskins-Campbell. 

“It’s not that we can cut the tree off your house, or magically fund you for federal dollars that can solve all of your problems. But when we’re here we can see the devastation, we can see what they’re going through. I think it lets the community know just how much we care, and that’s why it’s important to be here,” Evette added. “This is Team South Carolina, and this is what makes our state so special. We come together as neighbors and friends, and we’re here to help you.”

The Lieutenant Governor also shared her criticisms of the Biden-Harris administration. 

She says the hurricane adds to financial issues those in rural counties like Allendale face because of inflation over the past few years. 

With three weeks to go until Election Day, she not only vocalized her and Governor McMaster’s support for former President Donald Trump, but emphasizes the importance of getting out and voting. 

“The Biden-Harris economy has really hurt a lot of people—even people in our state that is really prosperous,” said Evette. “The governor and I are big supporters of President Trump, and soon-to-be Vice President Vance. Just hearing their plan and what they can do makes us excited for November 5th. I just encourage everybody to get out and vote, even in a bright-red sate like South Carolina.”

Evette will be in Aiken on Friday, October 18th for another Team South Carolina County Day. 

The event will feature the above agencies once again, and this time the services will help residents in Aiken, Saluda, and Edgefield counties. 

The Team SC Day will be at the USC Aiken Convocation Center in Graniteville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

By Deric Rush, Originally posted by WIS10 on October 15, 2024

CLINTON, S.C. — Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette attended Tuesday’s South Carolina County Days event in Laurens County.

The initiative, hosted by Governor Henry McMaster and Evette, offers South Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene a one-stop opportunity to discover available relief resources.

More than 25 state, federal and nonprofit agencies were part of Tuesday’s resource fair.

Residents in attendance could receive tetanus shots, flu shots, and SNAP benefits assistance.

The table with longest wait time was the FEMA assistance table.

More than 80 people were waiting to be seen at one point Tuesday afternoon.

FEMA has been staging disaster recovery centers across the state. 

A spokesperson said they’ve fielded roughly 200 applicants in some cases, while providing more than $100 million in disaster relief to the state.

“I said I need to go there. I need some assistance. It messed my door up…the roof on top of my house,” said Laurens County resident Cynthia Walls. Walls told WIS her home experienced significant damage during Hurricane Helene.

“This is a one stop shop for anybody to come in to get the help they need,” said Lt. Governor Evette.

“People have their electricity on. Their assessing their damage. because these rural areas, sometimes people don’t have the transportation to get out you know to come to a Greenville or Spartanburg. And we want to make sure that we’re servicing all South Carolinians,” she added.

Team S.C. plans to host two more South Carolina County Days Thursday in Allendale at USC Salkehatchie, Allendale (West) Campus, 465 James Brandt Boulevard, Allendale, S.C.

Another will be hosted Friday in Granitville at USC Aiken Convocation Center, 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville, S.C.

Both are scheduled to take place from 10 a.m – 4 p.m. a link to their website can be found here.

By Alex Hicks Jr. Published by GoUpstate on October 10, 2024.

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela S. Evette and other state and federal officials and representatives from nonprofits took part in ‘Team South Carolina County Days’ on the campus of USC Upstate in Spartanburg on Thursday, Oct. 10. WATCH NOW.

By Kaitlyn McCormick. Originally posted by the Greenville News on October 11, 2024.

In just the first two hours of the Team South Carolina County Day on Friday, 339 people had walked through the doors of Greenville Technical College’s Student Success Center to ask for help.

Inside, tables stretched throughout hallways and other sections of the building’s first floor, draped in identifying tablecloths bearing the emblems of organizations like Duke Energy, the U.S. Small Business Administration, FEMA, and more.

Two weeks after Hurricane Helene ripped through Greenville, those seeking assistance were met with a team of volunteers, clad in pink polos and handing out clipboards, to fill out personal information and indicate what services they may need, including those specifically for veterans and seniors.

Brooke Bailey, director of strategic communications for the South Carolina Department of Administration, said the services available and the community turnout was “pretty incredible.”

Charlie Johnson came to the event with his wife after Helene caused two feet of flooding on the bottom floor of their home. He received information about contractors who could assist him.

“This is good. … It’s amazing,” he said, standing in the lobby of the student center surrounded by others looking for resources.

Wanda Pearson was able to apply for FEMA and small business assistance at the event. While her home wasn’t damaged in the storm, she said her business, C&W Pearson Florists, underwent an economic loss as a result of technical and power difficulties following Helene.

Outside, cars pulled through a drive-in service, receiving donations of water, diapers, and food. They could also access numerous services, including WIC, SNAP benefits, and the American Red Cross.

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette attended the county day, her third in the Upstate this week. Two others were held in Anderson and Spartanburg counties.

“Everybody here is touching the need of every person,” she said, referencing the abundance of services being provided in one space, a one-stop shop.

The “beauty of having everybody together,” she said, comes from the ease of having multiple services in the same location making it easier for people to access the assistance they came for and other services they may not have known they needed or could access, like supports for veterans and mental health.

“We are S.C. strong,” Evette said. “It makes me so proud.”

Upcoming South Carolina Days are scheduled for further counties in the state, though Greenville residents are still welcome to attend.

A full list of services and dates can be found at the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.

Photo Credit: Rick Cinclair/Telegram & Gazette/USA Today Network

Written by Emily Smoak. Posted October 10, 2024 by UpstateToday.com.

CLEMSON — The first of three Team South Carolina County Days in the Upstate was held in Clemson on Wednesday. 

The event was held at Clemson University’s Littlejohn Coliseum and featured representatives from more than 40 local, state and federal agencies. 

The event allowed residents to easily access help and resources that they may need in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Notable organizations represented at the event were the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Small Business Administration, the South Carolina Office of Resilience and the South Carolina Department of Public Health.  

Notable local and state public officials were present at the event including South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. 

“We did a very similar approach during the pandemic,” Evette said. “The governor and I really wanted everything to be consolidated in one spot, because when you’re panicking, when you have a lot of things crumbling around you, it’s hard to figure out what resources you need and where to go and get that so we put all the resources you need for all of our citizens right here in this area.” 

Evette said that she hopes events like these expedite the recovery timeline. 

“We want to make sure we get you on your feet and moving and get your life back to normal as quickly as we can,” she said.

She later said how this storm has brought the best out of South Carolina. 

“We are South Carolina strong,” she said. “I saw people looking for each other. I saw businesses who had no internet in Edgefield … They had no internet, but they had a hardware store, and they had chainsaws and generators. You know what they did? They took out a yellow piece of yellow legal pad, wrote people’s names and phone numbers and gave them what they needed because they felt it just wasn’t neighborly to hold all those resources that people really needed.”

Besides Evette, South Carolina State Senate President Thomas Alexander was also in attendance for Wednesday’s event. 

“Well, certainly the effort is Team South Carolina,” he said. “Everybody working together, partnering together, providing the resources that are necessary for our citizens in this area to help them navigate and have the opportunity to start their recovery process from the impacts of the hurricane.” 

Alexander spoke about how the event will help residents begin their recovery process. 

“By bringing these resources together and having one entry point, we are trying to make it as seamless as possible for our citizens,” he said. “Today is an important day from that aspect.”

Future Resources

Alexander told The Journal that events like Wednesday’s are just the beginning. 

“(Today) won’t be the last opportunity, but certainly it’s the beginning of the process for our citizens to be looking forward to the future,” he said. “The people, obviously, are hurting, and really during a lot of times, they don’t know where to turn. We’ll continue to have several entry points for our residents locally in Oconee, Pickens and Anderson counties.”

Alexander suggested reaching out to local community offices or visiting them in person if internet access is still inaccessible.

Regardless of what residents chose to do, Alexander said he and his office will continue to be of assistance. 

“This is all hands on deck,” he said. “We’re in it for the long haul, not the short term.” 

Pickens County administrator Ken Roper was also in attendance. 

“We are truly heartened to see so many state agencies, local officials and nonprofit organizations coming together for Team South Carolina County Days,” he said. “This event allows our residents affected by Hurricane Helene to access the resources and support they need in one convenient location. It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of Pickens County and the unwavering commitment of our state and local leaders to helping those in need.”

Other locations 

Team South Carolina County Days will be held in two other locations through the end of the week. 

Today, the event will be held in Spartanburg on the campus of the University of South Carolina Upstate for Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties. 

On Friday, Team South Carolina County Day will be held at the campus of Greenville Technical college for residents of Greenville County. 

Lt. Governor Evette speaks to Ken Ruinard of the Greenville News on October 9th about resources being provided to South Carolinians impacted by hurricane Helene during Team South Carolina County Days.

Click here to watch video.

Written by Taylor Farmer. Originally Posted by WSPA Channel 7 News on October 9, 2024.

CLEMSON, S.C. (WSPA) — On Clemson University’s campus inside Littlejohn Coliseum more than 20 different agencies responsible for disaster relief are providing a one-stop opportunity for folks to learn about what resources are available following Hurricane Helene.

There’s no doubt nearly everyone in this area was affected by the storm and thousands are still looking for some help. 

State and federal officials say any help you need to recover from the storm including insurance, housing, transportation, health, mental health, employment, etc… is still being offered.  

“As an emergency manager and as a community member it means everything to be able to say our doors are open, come here, we are going to get you the help that you need,” Sarah Custer, Director of Emergency Management with Clemson University said. “It is really important that we put our arms around this community that we are a part of. These are our friends and neighbors as well.”

While state and federal agencies were in-person to assist in Clemson on wednesday they can still help out if you weren’t able to make it.

“During the pandemic, the Governor instructed the Department of Commerce to put everything on one website, so it was a one stop shop,” Lt. Governor Pamela Evette said. “We kept hearing how helpful that was and how amazing it was to be able to do that. That is the same idea for what you are seeing here today.”

It’s an ongoing effort. State leaders say they are working hard everyday to make sure the people of South Carolina are taken care of.

 Lt. Governor Evette called the state’s game planning system a well-oiled machine and says she and Governor McMaster, along with many other leaders,  have been going around to areas impacted.

“Every single day we have an emergency management call where everybody gets together and shares all their information,” Evette said. “It’s an update everyday so we know where to direct resources.”

The assistance in Clemson Wednesday was for all Pickens, Anderson, & Oconee County residents. 

Similar events will be held in Spartanburg on Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the USC Upstate Health Education Complex, 300 N Boulevard and in Greenville on Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Greenville Tech Student Success Center, 506 S. Pleasantburg Drive.

For more assistance: South Carolina Emergency Management Division (scemd.org)