Aiken, S.C. Hosts Team South Carolina Day to Aid Hurricane Helene Victims
Today, residents of Aiken, South Carolina came together for a very special event known as Team South Carolina Day. This gathering was all about providing support and resources for those affected by the devastating Hurricane Helene. With the Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette in attendance, the day was filled with hope and assistance for community members in need.
One-Stop Resource for Recovery
County Days like this serve a crucial purpose. They provide a one-stop opportunity for local residents in Aiken, Saluda, and Edgefield counties to learn about the various relief resources available to them. With so many people struggling after the hurricane, this event was designed to simplify the process of getting help.
Christina Stewart, a resident who attended the event, shared her story. “Well, I am homeless,” she explained, “So, my tent got messed up and all of my stuff got messed up, and I asked for assistance on helping me with food and stuff.” Christina highlighted the confusion surrounding aid efforts, saying, “they’re trying to come inspect the woods where my tent was and I’m like ‘that doesn’t make sense to me, how would you inspect the woods…?”
Understanding Community Needs
Christina’s experience is just one of many. It truly reflects the reality for many attending the event who are looking for clarity and support in their time of need. Lt. Governor Evette underscored the importance of understanding the unique challenges, especially faced by seniors. “It’s the people that come,” she noted, “they’re coming here because they really don’t know what to do.”
She continued, “Most of the time it’s our seniors, and I think that’s something we have to be very conscious of– my mom will be 96 tomorrow. So, I realize first-hand that technology gets way past what our seniors feel comfortable on.” This recognition of the difficulties many face is what drives such events.
Fighting Digital Divide and Providing Emotional Support
In today’s world, where information is often just a click away, many residents are finding themselves left out due to power and internet outages. Many older adults struggle with technology and might not know how to access online resources. “It’s actually good to have this stuff out because not everybody has internet,” Christina observed. “They don’t know how to use the internet for applications.”
Having a venue where people can actually speak to someone face-to-face to get clear answers is invaluable. Many attended the event simply looking for a guiding hand during this challenging time.
Dr. Robert Bank from the South Carolina Department of Mental Health highlighted another critical aspect of recovery: mental health. “When you have a disaster like this, the amount of stress that develops for each person can be overwhelming,” he said. “Each person has their own story, whether they lost their house or their pet; they need to talk and express how they feel.”
Looking Ahead
Although the Aiken County “County Day” has concluded, there are still opportunities available for those who seek assistance. Residents are encouraged to visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) for information on three additional County Days that will be held soon. These events promise to unite resources and support for those navigating the challenging aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
It’s clear that, in tough times like these, community support and accessible resources can make all the difference. Let’s hope that more gatherings like Team South Carolina Day happen in the future to further assist those in need.
