Community Comes Together in Columbia, S.C. After Hurricane Helene
Columbia, S.C. – The city of Columbia is witnessing the resilience and spirit of its community as residents grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This afternoon, numerous locations throughout the Midlands are stepping up to support those affected by the storm, offering food, showers, and essential supplies.
SNAP Benefits Replacement
In response to the concerns raised by local residents, the South Carolina Legal Justice Center has announced that individuals with SNAP benefits may be eligible for replacements if they experienced power outages lasting four hours or more, utility shutdowns, or damage to their homes caused by the hurricane. The Department of Social Services (DSS) addressed these concerns in a statement, reassuring recipients that they are actively collaborating with federal partners to streamline the process for issuing replacement benefits.
“DSS is aware of the inquiries and concerns from our state’s SNAP recipients on the potential replacement of their SNAP Benefits due to the impact of Hurricane Helene,” they stated. For those looking to replace affected SNAP benefits, there’s a specific form that can be submitted, and individuals are encouraged to stay updated through verified sources.
Free Resources for the Community
As resources are being mobilized, Wiz’s Eatery is giving away 24,000 bottles of water and 2,000 lbs. of ice this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at their location on 110 Church Street. This will surely help families in need to stay cool and hydrated during this challenging time.
The local YMCA is also stepping in to assist, providing complimentary showers for linemen and others who have been without water and power. These showers will be available from noon until 7 p.m. today at Fairfield Central High School, specifically in the Field House next to the Football Field. Residents are advised to bring their own toiletries, so they feel refreshed and clean.
In the heart of Irmo, the Universal Outreach Church of God in Christ is serving meals to families starting at 2 p.m. today. Families are encouraged to visit their lot on 220 North Royal Tower Drive in the Friarsgate Neighborhood.
Meanwhile, JC’s Outdoor Equipment Store in Gilbert is not only providing food for free but is also offering to cook meals if residents bring their own ingredients. How kind is that?
Support for First Responders
First responders have been invaluable during this time, and Salsarita’s, with locations in West Columbia, Lexington, and Killian, is giving them a free meal when they show their badges up until 9 p.m. Residents in need of food can reach out to the number 803-543-6297 for more assistance.
School District Feeding Stations
The Lexington-Richland School District is setting up feeding stations for students, offering bag lunches for pickup on Monday at various high school bus loops. Parents will need to provide identification and their student’s name to collect meals.
Additionally, children ages 18 and under can access free meals at Pine Ridge Middle, Cayce Elementary, and Riverbank Elementary between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Monday, regardless of school enrollment.
Additional Support Around Town
For those further affected, Swansea First Baptist Church will open shower units and serve food starting at 1 p.m. on Monday. Showers will be available until 8 p.m., so bring those toiletries!
In Newberry, Hawg Heaven is offering meals while supplies last this Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., and there are food trucks in various locations, including the Tractor Supply lot. The NAACP is also giving away meals at the Big Lots parking lot in Newberry starting at 1 p.m.
If you know of other places helping out today, please consider reaching out to share so that even more community members can find the support they need. Together, Columbia is proving that in times of hardship, residents can always count on each other.
