Columbia, S.C. Families Get Relief After Hurricane Helene
In Columbia, South Carolina, there’s some relief on the horizon for many families who found themselves in a tough spot after Hurricane Helene caused unexpected power outages. Many families, particularly those with low incomes, lost their food supplies due to the storm, but there’s good news coming from the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS).
What Are the New Changes?
On Friday, DSS announced that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a special waiver. This waiver allows for automatic replacement of SNAP benefits for recipients in 28 counties significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene. This means if you received SNAP benefits and live in these counties, you may see some added funds on your card very soon, with no extra paperwork required!
Who’s Affected?
So, which counties are we talking about? Well, many of the counties affected are in the Midlands area. To be eligible for these replacement benefits, recipients must already be a part of SNAP, which was previously known as the Food Stamp Program. Additionally, SNAP clients must reside in a county where at least 50% of the total population faced power outages lasting more than four hours because of the hurricane.
When Can Families Expect the Assistance?
Great news! The replacement benefits are set to be automatically issued starting next week. According to Connelly-Anne Ragley, the Chief External Affairs Officer at DSS, people should see 55% of their September benefits back on their EBT cards by Tuesday, October 15. It’s a hassle-free process, and officials encourage residents to not overload local DSS offices with calls as that won’t speed things up.
Still Need Help? There’s More!
For residents living in the remaining 18 counties that aren’t part of this mass replacement waiver, there’s still hope. They can apply for individual assistance by submitting a form along with proof of their power outage. This could be a letter from a landlord, utility company, or insurance provider. The deadline for submitting these applications has been extended until October 26th, giving families a bit more time.
Community Support Through Local Organizations
But the assistance doesn’t stop there! For those who aren’t eligible for SNAP, local organizations are stepping up to help. The United Way of the Midlands is launching the Neighbors United Drive, aimed at replenishing local food pantries and assisting those hardest hit by the storm.
Jennifer Moore from the United Way emphasizes the power of community support during these trying times. “We can do so much more when we work together,” she said. The Neighbors United Drive is running until Monday, October 14, and anyone can drop off nonperishable food items, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies at their office located at 1818 Blanding Street in Columbia.
How to Help or Get Help
If monetary donations are more your style, you can donate to the United Way of the Midlands, which will help fund organizations like Harvest Hope, South Carolina’s largest food bank. Harvest Hope is actively working to combat food insecurity that often results from crises like Hurricane Helene, opening their doors daily to assist those in need from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.
The community is buzzing with hope as these programs kick in to lend a helping hand to families struggling in the aftermath of the hurricane. It’s a reminder of how interconnected we are and how much we can achieve when we come together during challenging times.
If you are interested in providing assistance, or if you find yourself in need of help, feel free to reach out to these local organizations and lend a hand or get the support you need!
