News Summary
Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC) has secured nearly $110,000 in grants to assist Hurricane Helene survivors in South Carolina and Western North Carolina. Funded by the One SC Fund, Lutheran World Relief, and Lowe’s, these grants aim to meet the immediate needs of affected families across ten disaster-designated counties. With the support of Lowe’s Reconstruction Grant, households will receive essential supplies and rebuilding materials, further aiding in recovery efforts.
Columbia, South Carolina – Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC) has been awarded nearly $110,000 in grants to assist with disaster recovery efforts for survivors of Hurricane Helene. The funding comes through three separate grants from the One SC Fund, Lutheran World Relief, and Lowe’s, aimed at providing critical support to individuals and families affected by the natural disaster.
The grants are designated to aid residents in South Carolina and Western North Carolina who are experiencing unmet needs following the hurricane’s impact. LSC plans to distribute this funding to help families with crucial necessities such as rebuilding materials, essential supplies, and coordinated case management services. The assistance will particularly focus on families across 10 counties in South Carolina that have been declared disaster zones by FEMA.
These counties include Greenwood, Saluda, Newberry, McCormick, Edgefield, Abbeville, Laurens, Greenville, Anderson, and Pickens. The financial support will play a significant role in addressing the immediate recovery needs of disaster victims. Additionally, Lowe’s has issued a Reconstruction Grant, providing store credit to assist 10 households in Western North Carolina, further enhancing the reach of recovery efforts in the affected regions.
In the broader context of disaster management, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein recently visited Yancey County to meet with Hurricane Helene survivors and assess the aftermath of the storm. The North Carolina state Senate has also voted on a fourth round of disaster relief funding for Western North Carolina, signaling the ongoing need for support in the wake of the hurricane.
Amid recovery efforts, Governor Stein announced the reopening of Interstate 40, which reconnects North Carolina and Tennessee, an important infrastructure development for the region. Local officials have activated a mutual aid plan in Yancey County to facilitate ongoing recovery, and multiple emergency shelters have been opened to help displaced residents.
In terms of health services, the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is currently operational using a generator, with a Disaster Medical Assistance Team present to provide medical support as necessary. Efforts are underway to clear roads of debris, allowing for the restoration of communication and utility services. Power is gradually being restored in safe areas, and work is also being done to resume water services in affected communities.
As of now, more than 57,000 people have applied for FEMA individual aid since the hurricane struck, with the assistance covering needs including temporary housing and basic home repairs. However, as it stands, FEMA has not yet declared any South Carolina counties as disaster areas eligible for federal funding. Local officials are actively collecting damage reports to advocate for future disaster area designations.
Despite the significant challenges, LSC remains dedicated to supporting the recovery journeys of affected individuals and families, ensuring an equitable and effective distribution of the funds received. The organization is poised to address the pressing needs of those impacted by the hurricane while collaborating with various partners in the community to maximize recovery efforts.
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Additional Resources
- WSOC TV: Gov. Stein Visit Western NC
- Wajr: Yancey County Recovery
- ABC11: NC Senate Passes Hurricane Relief Bill
- WFMY News: Yancey County Response to Helene
- News Observer: North Carolina News
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene disaster relief
Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER 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.
