Greenville County Hurricane Helene Recovery: Community Response and Ongoing Relief Efforts
Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 10-7-24
Happy Monday to all,
As we continue to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, I wanted to take a moment to update everyone on the ongoing relief efforts in Greenville County. Thanks to the tireless work of Jessica Stumpf and the Greenville County Emergency Management team, we’ve seen incredible collaboration, and I’m proud of the way our community has come together. Here’s the latest on where we stand!
Key Updates from the Weekend:
- The Greenville County Emergency Operations Center is currently at Operation Condition 1.
- Lt. Governor Pamela Everette and General Stilwell visited the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Sunday to review ongoing efforts.
- The fuel truck for emergency workers stationed at McAlister Square was demobilized on Sunday.
- A Zoom call with county partners happened at 11:00 AM Monday to continue coordinating relief efforts.
- We are thankful for the approval of the Major Disaster Declaration for Greenville County, which enables both Individual and Public Assistance. Citizens and businesses can apply for aid at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362
- FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance representatives will be stationed at 225 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville, SC from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday to provide on-site support.
- As of 5:00 PM Sunday, 7% of the county (approximately 20,443 customers) remains without power. Crews are working diligently to restore service.
- The three Points of Distribution (35 E. Antrim, Canebrake Fire Department, and Slater-Marietta FD) closed on Sunday at 6 PM.
- A shelter remains open at Hillcrest High School but is planning to relocate Monday. The Medical Needs Shelter at Bon Secours Wellness Arena closed Sunday.
- For information about Hurricane Helene relief, citizens can call 864-467-3428 between 9 AM and 5 PM Monday. For emergencies, please dial 911
- For immediate assistance with basic needs, contact United Way by dialing 211
Community Crisis Response
This weekend’s Community Crisis Response at Happy Cow Creamery was an overwhelming success, with dozens of pallets stacked with essential food and supplies for those still impacted by Hurricane Helene. We saw an incredible outpouring of support from citizens, non-profits, and local leaders, all coming together to provide much-needed aid. First and foremost, I want to thank the citizens, non-profits, and elected officials who made this possible: State Representatives Chris Huff, Ashley Trantham, Jackie Terrible, Stephen Frank, Sarita Edgerton, and District 26 Councilman Rick Bradley. A special thank you to Chris Huff and Rick Bradley also for allowing me to join in this amazing experience of serving our neighbors in need!
Thank you to the many other organizations that supported the effort, including the South Carolina Department of Administration, Greenville County Emergency Management, the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, Moms for Liberty chapters in York, Greenville, and Anderson Counties, Oak Point Church, Ellen Woodside Elementary School, Riley Child Development Center, Ice Age Sculptures of Greenville, and Fork Shoals Elementary. Each one of you played a crucial role in making this drive a success and in helping our community rebuild.
A special mention goes to PL Developments for their incredible generosity (pictured below). They brought a truck filled with essential items like diapers, baby formula, canned food, and boxed meals—asking for nothing in return, simply out of a desire to meet the needs of those struggling after the storm. Their generosity is a true testament to the power of giving. You can learn more about their work nationwide at PL Development
I also want to highlight KC's Closet from Simpsonville, who stepped in with baby formula that was turned away in efforts to get it to NC. They didn’t let it go to waste—they brought it down to us to ensure it got into the hands of those who needed it. Any remaining items were sent back with a family to North Carolina, so their contributions reached the people they were intended to help. Learn more about KC’s Closet and their incredible work at KC’s Closet
You can find more information about some of these organizations here:
- South Carolina Freedom Caucus
Thank you to Canebrake Fire Department, Hesha Gamble, and Emergency Management for arranging and delivering pallets of MRE’s and Bottled Water.
And as always, thank you to our Greenville County Sheriff’s for ensuring safety at the event for all citizens!
Looking Ahead
While there is still work to do, the progress we’ve made together is a beacon of hope. We’ve faced a great challenge, but we’re standing stronger because of the compassion, determination, and tireless efforts of so many in our community.
Let’s carry this spirit forward into the week ahead, knowing that together we can rebuild stronger than ever. Thank you to everyone who has contributed, and please keep supporting one another as we continue on this path to recovery. - BBD19
So inspirational ❤️