News Summary
The South Carolina Office of Resilience has received federal approval for a $150 million recovery plan to address unmet housing needs from Hurricane Helene. With an estimated $2.1 billion in overall unmet needs, the recovery efforts will include rehabilitation of homes and affordable rental housing. The application process for eligible homeowners is set to open at the end of September, prioritizing low to moderate-income individuals. Additionally, $19.6 million will be allocated for mitigation projects to reduce future disaster risks, showcasing a commitment to rebuilding the community.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Office of Resilience has secured federal approval for a substantial $150 million plan aimed at aiding recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The funding, drawn from the Community Development Block Grant, will primarily focus on addressing significant unmet housing needs as a result of the hurricane.
The comprehensive recovery plan has revealed that the disaster left approximately $2.1 billion in unmet needs across affected areas, with around $1.7 billion dedicated specifically to housing. This response is critical as many residents are still facing challenges due to the storm’s impact.
Eligible counties for these recovery funds include Aiken, Anderson, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Spartanburg, Abbeville, Cherokee, Edgefield, McCormick, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Saluda, and Union. Programs under the plan will encompass a variety of recovery initiatives, including single-family home rehabilitation, replacement and reconstruction efforts, and affordable rental housing rehabilitation. The program will also feature voluntary buyouts for those impacted.
Eligibility and Application Details
Homeowners with low to moderate incomes whose primary homes were affected by the hurricane, as well as rental property owners with impacted homes, can apply for the funds. Priority will be given to individuals earning 30% or less than their area’s median income, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the assistance they need.
The application process is expected to open by the end of September. In preparation for this, the South Carolina Office of Resilience will be meeting with local governments in the eligible counties to discuss the specifics of the recovery programs.
Mitigation Efforts and Community Support
As part of the recovery plan, approximately $19.6 million will also be allocated for mitigation projects aimed at reducing the risks associated with future disasters. These activities include planning, infrastructure enhancements, and matching fund opportunities for local governments, alongside voluntary buyouts of severely impacted properties.
In a community effort to aid recovery, the Salvation Army of Augusta is partnering with Doc’s Porchside to collect bedding donations for individuals staying at the Center of Hope, further demonstrating the local commitment to support those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Continued Recovery and Community Updates
Alongside these recovery efforts, local news is marked by a tragic incident where a 48-year-old individual recently drowned at Strom Thurmond Lake, eliciting grief within the community.
Additionally, the City of West Columbia is making strides in recovery as portions of the West Columbia Riverwalk Park have been reopened after repairs due to the hurricane. The newly opened section runs from the Amphitheater to the Cayce connection, although the Amphitheater parking lot and Moffatt Street entrance remain closed as repairs continue.
Mayor Tem Miles has expressed appreciation for the patience exhibited by the community during the repair processes, emphasizing the Riverwalk’s significance as a beloved local resource.
As South Carolina prepares to implement its recovery plan, a multi-faceted approach aims to rebuild affected neighborhoods and ensure safety against future weather challenges.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Allocates $150 Million for Hurricane Helene Recovery
HUD Approves $150 Million Recovery Plan for South Carolina
Lutheran Services Carolinas Receives Grants for Hurricane Helene Recovery
Greenwood School District 50 Prepares for New Academic Year
Lutheran Services Carolinas Receives Grants for Hurricane Recovery
Greenwood County Enhances Hurricane Preparedness with Grant
Public Meeting on Hurricane Helene Recovery in Greenwood
North Carolina Faces Power Restoration Challenges Following Hurricane Helene
Duke Energy Foundation Allocates $500,000 in Grants for SC
Duke Energy Foundation Launches HERO Grant Program for Nonprofits
Additional Resources
- MSN News: Riverwalk Near Columbia Reopens
- Cola Daily: Section of Riverwalk Park Reopens
- SWLexLedger: West Columbia Riverwalk Opens
- WLTX: Riverwalk Repairs in West Columbia
- WISTV: Columbia Neighborhood Cleans Up After Hurricane Helene
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene (2023)
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
