Beaufort Residents Receive FEMA Assistance Following Hurricane Helene
**Beaufort** has been dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and for those who were affected, there’s some good news! A **FEMA Disaster Recovery Center** has officially opened its doors, providing residents with much-needed resources and support. The center is located at the Burton Wells Recreation Center, at 1 Middleton Recreation Drive, and is ready to assist anyone who walks through its doors, no appointment necessary.
This center started serving the community on October 29 and will be open until October 31, operating daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Representatives from FEMA, as well as the state of South Carolina, are on-site to help with questions and aid applications.
Understanding the Need for Assistance
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Beaufort was among 27 counties in South Carolina, alongside the Catawba Indian Nation, that qualified for FEMA assistance. The disaster declaration came after a comprehensive assessment conducted by FEMA teams, which revealed an estimated **$3 million** worth of property damage in the county. Unfortunately, while this declaration allows for individual assistance, Beaufort County itself will not receive reimbursements for its expenses related to the hurricane.
Beaufort County Administrator Michael Moore explained the impact of this declaration, stating, “If an individual has damage to their property, that’s what this declaration will allow.” It’s a significant lifeline for homeowners and renters who might have experienced damage during the storm.
Financial Relief from Loans
In addition to direct assistance, an important announcement was made by Governor Henry McMaster. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering **low-interest disaster loans** for individuals and businesses affected by the hurricane, including those in Beaufort and neighboring Jasper County. Homeowners can apply for loans up to **$500,000** for repairs or to replace buildings that were damaged or destroyed. Renters and homeowners with personal property losses can also apply for relief, with eligibility for up to **$100,000** for replacing or repairing damaged personal items.
How to Get Assistance
The Community Comes Together
While it’s been a challenging time for many families, the reopening of the recovery center and the availability of financial assistance present an opportunity for residents to regain their footing. Seeing the community come together can be uplifting, and it’s moments like this that remind us of the resilience that Beaufort holds. Many locals are sharing their experiences and supporting one another as they tackle cleanup efforts and seek assistance.
So, if you or someone you know is still feeling the effects of Hurricane Helene, don’t hesitate to reach out to the disaster recovery center. Remember, help is available, and the community is here to support you during this challenging time.
