Beaufort County Residents: Help is on the Way After Hurricane Helene
Hey Beaufort! If you’ve been feeling the impact of Hurricane Helene, we’ve got some good news for you. The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) is setting up shop in our community to make sure you get the support you need. Starting this week, a disaster recovery center will be open for all residents looking for assistance.
Where and When to Go
The recovery center will be located at the Burton Wells Recreation Center (that’s at 1 Middleton Recreation Drive) and will be open from Tuesday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s a friendly, welcoming spot where you can get all your questions answered. You don’t even need to make an appointment! Just drop by and connect with representatives from FEMA, the state of South Carolina, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
What Assistance is Available?
So, what can you expect at the center? If you’ve experienced damage or losses that your insurance doesn’t cover, this is a golden opportunity. Thanks to an Individual Assistance Declaration made possible by President Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration on September 29, residents of Beaufort County are eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance.
This assistance can help with several important needs, such as:
- Temporary housing — If you’ve been displaced, help is available.
- Home repairs — Get help getting your home back in shape.
- Other disaster-related expenses — Support for those little things that come up following a disaster.
Small Business Help Available Too!
And it’s not just residents who can find assistance. If you’re a business owner who suffered damage or faced economic losses due to the hurricane, you may also qualify for aid through the U.S. Small Business Administration. So feel free to bring your questions about that as well!
How to Apply for Assistance
If you can’t make it to the recovery center, don’t worry! There are other ways to get started on your application for assistance. The quickest method is to visit DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also use the FEMA App, which is available on mobile devices, or simply call toll-free 800-621-3362. They’re available every day and can assist you in several different languages to accommodate everyone.
Are you using a relay service like Video Relay or captioned telephone? Be sure to give FEMA your specific number so they can reach you.
Need More Info?
If you prefer visual instructions, there’s even a handy video available with American Sign Language, voiceover, and open captions to guide you through applying for assistance. This way, everyone can understand how to get the support they need.
Come on Down!
So, whether you’ve been directly affected by the hurricane or know someone who has, share this information! The Burton Wells Recreation Center is there to help our community bounce back. Remember, we’re all in this together, and getting the help you need is just a visit away!
Take care, and see you at the center!
