Augusta College Community Unites for Recovery Efforts Following Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

Augusta College Rallies After Hurricane Helene Devastation

In the heart of Augusta, the community is coming together to face the aftermath of an unprecedented disaster. Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 27, leaving a trail of destruction that many residents say they have never experienced before. As Augusta grapples with power outages and damaged homes, Paine College, Augusta’s only Historically Black College, is stepping up to the plate, rallying support from both its community and alumni.

Challenges at Paine College

After serving 31 years in various capacities and leading the college since 2019, Dr. Cheryl Jones announced her retirement just three months ago but selflessly agreed to remain until a new leader was found. Her commitment now feels more crucial than ever as the college faces substantial challenges in the wake of the hurricane. “We’re assessing it, but my guess would be damages somewhere, probably around $2.5 million,” Dr. Jones stated while surveying the campus.

The campus has suffered significant damage, impacting athletic fields and buildings, including the important residence hall known as Jackson House. “If you’ve walked around campus, I’m sure you’ve seen lots of trees down,” Dr. Jones noted, explaining the scale of the damage. Fortunately, no buildings have been reported as lost, and power has now been restored.

A Call for Help

Dr. Jones is optimistic about the possibility of receiving government assistance from FEMA and other relief agencies. “But we also encourage the general public and private donors to help us out,” she said. The ongoing recovery effort has the entire campus community buzzing, as staff and volunteers come together to clean up and rebuild.

Inside Jackson House

Among those who weathered the storm in Jackson House was residential director Ebony Smith. Living just a short walk from the student center, Smith was inside during the hurricane. “I was under the bed and on the phone with my mom,” she recounted. “I heard a lot of noise and looked out the window to see a roof. It wasn’t until the next morning that I realized it was our roof.” Her experience reflects the fear and concern felt by many during the storm.

A Community Response

The school owns around 17 houses on Beman Street, home to faculty and staff. Helene T. Carter, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, echoed the sentiments of many when she said, “You can see the devastation there.” With insurance likely not covering all the damages, the college must urgently work on repairs, especially roofs that were severely damaged.

Despite the upheaval, Paine College has managed to keep its doors open. The supportive collaboration with Augusta University and nearby hospitals was instrumental in regaining internet service immediately after the storm, allowing communication and coordination for recovery efforts.

Feeding the Community

The commitment of the college’s food service provider, Thompson Hospitality, cannot go unnoticed. They quickly mobilized their team to ensure that students, faculty, and staff continued to receive meals throughout the ordeal. “We transitioned to serving hot meals by the next day,” said Valerie McZeal, a cashier and food service worker.

Unity and Support

The spirit of unity amongst students and staff is heartwarming. “We are a small private HBCU, and we act very much like a family,” Dr. Jones said. This close-knit bond means everyone is looking out for one another, even as many staff members have their own homes to worry about.

What’s Next?

As students who evacuated during the storm prepare to return, the college is hopeful about resuming normal functions. Classes are set to begin again on Monday, with plans for a safe and welcoming environment. There is a palpable sense of optimism in the air, as the college community gears up to support each other through this challenging time.

In the coming days, Paine College will not only rebuild its campus but also its spirit. With ongoing cleanup efforts and calls for donations, it looks like this beloved institution will continue to shine brightly amidst the storm.