Beaufort Residents Find Hope After Hurricane Helene
Good day, Beaufort! As we enjoy this lovely part of the year with partly cloudy skies and temperatures hovering around a pleasant 81°F, there’s more on the horizon concerning the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
For many in our community, the impact of the recent hurricane is still palpable. But worry not, help is on the way! Recently, it was announced that a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center has opened its doors right here in Burton. Located at the Burton Wells Recreation Center on Middleton Recreation Drive, this center will be assisting our residents in need until October 31, with operation hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m..
What to Expect at the Recovery Center
Here’s the best part: no appointment is necessary! You can walk right in and find representatives from FEMA, the state of South Carolina, and the U.S. Small Business Administration ready to provide assistance. They are here to help guide you through the process of finding aid for any damage incurred during the storm.
Beaufort County was included in a disaster declaration because of the impacts of Hurricane Helene, joining 27 other counties and the Catawba Indian Nation in qualifying for FEMA assistance. The declaration came after FEMA conducted a thorough assessment of damaged properties and identified around $3 million in damage to our county.
Financial Assistance Options
The good news doesn’t stop there! Governor Henry McMaster has announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans to individuals and businesses affected by the hurricane in several counties, including ours. This means that homeowners could be eligible for loans up to $500,000 to repair or replace any real estate losses caused by the hurricane. Renters and homeowners can also apply for up to $100,000 to replace personal property that was damaged or destroyed.
If you find that your home or possessions have been affected by the hurricane, you can start your application for FEMA assistance at disasterassistance.gov or by calling their hotline at 800-621-3362. They are here to help you every step of the way!
The Community Comes Together
The response to Hurricane Helene has shown resilience within our community. While we have seen some unfortunate incidents, like boats being unmoored and left stranded, it’s heartwarming to see neighbors helping neighbors. Let’s continue to support one another, share information, and, if you can, lend a hand to those who may need it.
As we move forward, let’s take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous weather we’re currently experiencing, reminiscent of a beautiful fall in Beaufort. With temperatures settling at a pleasant low around 65°F at night and light winds caressing the air, it’s hard not to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Remember to keep your spirits up and stay informed about the available resources. We’re all in this together, and with a little support from our community and the assistance programs available, we can rebuild and recover from the challenges Hurricane Helene has brought upon us.
Keep your heads high, Beaufort, and let’s continue to move forward together!
