March 27, 2025

Hurricane Helene Recovery Assistance Now Available for Aiken County Residents

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI)

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI) is a Michigan-based organization specializing in trauma rehabilitation medical case management. With over 34 years of experience, CRCI is dedicated to empowering survivors of catastrophic auto accidents to regain control of their lives and achieve both physical and emotional well-being. Their team of Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) are experts in navigating the complexities of today’s healthcare system, ensuring that survivors receive the necessary services for their recovery and rehabilitation. CRCI’s core values include advocacy, people, knowledge, and dependability, reflecting their commitment to being leading advocates and facilitators of long-term collaborative care.

News Summary

Aiken County residents affected by Hurricane Helene can now access disaster recovery assistance. With personalized recovery plans and mobile intake units, help is readily available to support those in need. Low-income families can qualify for home repair funding, making the recovery process more attainable for many. Community support is crucial as residents navigate the aftermath of the hurricane, ensuring that everyone receives the help they deserve.

Hurricane Helene Recovery Assistance Now Available for Aiken County Residents

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destructive path, Aiken County residents are breathing a sigh of relief with the launch of disaster recovery assistance. If you’ve been affected by the hurricane, there’s support waiting for you!

What’s Happening?

The local community is stepping up with Disaster Case Management services, which means disaster case managers are teaming up with residents to develop personalized recovery plans. This partnership is all about making sure everyone has the help they need to get back on their feet.

What’s even better is that a mobile intake unit is available, offering assistance to residents regardless of whether they’ve applied for FEMA or disaster assistance. So, whether you’re in the process of navigating applications or haven’t even started, help is on hand.

Getting Help

Starting Saturday, help is accessible from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hayden Baptist Church, located at 217 Gregg Avenue. If you’re in the area, this is a great opportunity to get the assistance you need to recover.

Real Stories of Struggle

Take Carol and Clement Scurry, for example. This couple faced the harsh aftermath of Hurricane Helene together as trees crashed into their home. They’ve found themselves dealing with a long list of damage, from hole-riddled roofs to cracked walls, broken light fixtures, and shattered windows. It’s been a challenging journey, especially since both are retired and struggling to manage the repair costs.

Funding for Remodeling

Here’s where the good news gets even better! A total of $848,877 has been set aside specifically to assist low-income families with home repairs. This is a huge boost to help families like the Scurrys who need immediate support in getting their homes back to livable conditions.

To qualify as a low-income household, families must earn 80% or less of the median income, which translates to $48,000 or less for single individuals in the area. If that sounds like you, there’s help available!

How to Apply

The South Carolina State Housing Trust Fund is ready to offer up to $30,000 for essential home repairs including roofing, plumbing, and HVAC work. To kick off the application process, homeowners will first need to schedule a home inspection, followed by document requests from them to verify their situation.

Right now, fewer than 20 people are on the waiting list for funding. This means that there’s the potential to help over 50 families in need. But with such a great resource available, it’s wise to act quickly to secure your place. If demand surpasses the budget allocated for state funds, additional resources from HUD may be tapped into for even more assistance.

Exploring More Options

It’s important to note that homeowners who live outside the city limits shouldn’t feel left out—they are encouraged to explore other programs and assistance options that may be available to them.

If you’re curious or need more information about how to start the process, reach out to the Neighborhood Services Department by calling (803) 642-7606. They are there to help and guide you through this challenging time.

Conclusion

As Aiken County comes together to recover from the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, support is available. Don’t hesitate to find out what assistance is waiting for you! The community is stronger together, and there’s hope and help at every turn.