October 11, 2024

Dear Friends,

As we work toward "getting back to normal", it's amazing to me how the community came together - getting food and water to those in need, clearing debris, clearing roads, getting the power back on, and so much more. We're not all the way there yet, but we're thankful for the tireless efforts of our first responders, utility workers, emergency preparedness professionals, and many volunteers across the 3rd District. Our hearts continue to go out to those who lost loved ones. Even as we move forward, we will never forget.

For those who need help understanding and applying for Disaster Assistance, the Governor has announced additional Team South Carolina County Days in Clinton, Allendale, and Graniteville to provide local residents affected by Hurricane Helene with a face-to-face, one-stop opportunity to learn about relief resources available to them.

Upcoming Locations for County Days:

• Tuesday, October 15, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  For Union, Newberry, and Laurens Counties
  Piedmont Technical College, Laurens County Higher Education Center,
  663 Medical Ridge Road, Clinton, SC
• Thursday, October 17, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  For Barnwell, Bamberg, and Allendale Counties
  USC Salkehatchie, Allendale (West) Campus, 
  465 James Brandt Boulevard, Allendale, SC
• Friday, October 18, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  For Aiken, Saluda, and Edgefield Counties
  USC Aiken Convocation Center,
  2049 Champion Way, Graniteville, SC

Additional locations for Team South Carolina Days will be scheduled at a later date in other impacted counties.

Team South Carolina events will include representation from the following agencies:

• SC Department of Agriculture – Gathering impact data in preparation for upcoming Farm Recovery Centers (FRC).
• SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services – Providing counseling resources, alcohol and drug services and substance use prevention.
• SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs – Supplying information on resources and services for individuals with disabilities.
• SC Department of Employment and Workforce – Supplying information on unemployment benefits (including Disaster Unemployment Assistance) as well as employment services.
• SC Department of Environmental Services – Providing assistance for private drinking well owners and free test kits for those whose wells have been impacted by floodwaters.
• SC Department of Health and Human Services – Providing information on health care services and Medicaid.
• SC Department of Insurance – Providing information on the insurance claim process as well as coverage and insurance fraud prevention.
• SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation – Providing information on fire safety, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and residential builder information.
• SC Department of Mental Health – Providing general center-wide resources and personal screenings as appropriate.
• SC Department of Motor Vehicles – Assisting citizens attending the event.
• SC Department of Public Health – Providing information on Women, Infants and Children (WIC) educational resources and support as well as onsite Tdap and flu vaccines.
• SC Department of Social Services – Providing guidance on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Affidavit of Loss Due to a Household Misfortune.
• SC Department on Aging – Providing information on services for seniors.  
• SC Division of Veterans Affairs – Providing information on services for veterans.
• SC Emergency Management Division – Coordinating individual disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will provide information for residents about personal recovery steps. SCEMD will also provide emergency preparedness guides and demonstrate the SC Emergency Manager mobile app.
• SC Housing Authority – Providing information on mortgage or rent assistance, rental housing.
• SC Office of Resilience – Providing disaster case managers to assist eligible citizens with disaster-caused unmet needs through a basic intake process.
• FEMA – Providing assistance with registering for financial assistance related to the storm.
• US Small Business Administration – Providing assistance with applying for disaster loans.
• United Way Association of South Carolina/AmeriCorps SC and Local Chapters – Providing information on community volunteer opportunities.
• One SC Fund – Providing information on nonprofit resources during disaster relief.
• Other state and local nonprofit organizations.

It is an honor to serve the Third District of South Carolina. Should you or your family need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office directly.