Community Comes Together for Hurricane Helene Recovery in Aiken
Residents of Aiken are working hard to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which brought significant challenges to the area. As the sunshine peeks through partly cloudy skies, with a pleasant high of 79°F today, residents are shifting their focus on rebuilding and helping one another. This update aims to provide you with essential resources and to encourage our community spirit.
Where to Get Help
The Aiken County Emergency Management team has compiled a list of resources for those struggling in the wake of the storm. If you’re in need of disaster assistance, you can contact FEMA at 800-621-3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov online. However, it’s important to note that there is currently no FEMA representation at the Aiken County Government Center.
If you find yourself facing unemployment due to the disaster, don’t hesitate to reach out for disaster unemployment assistance at 866-831-1724 or online at dew.sc.gov. For those who need food assistance, the South Carolina Department of Social Services can be reached online at dss.sc.gov for SNAP benefits.
Food and Shelter Resources
Aiken is fortunate to have several community resources in place to support residents in need. The Salvation Army Soup Kitchen is located at 604 Park Ave, where you can find meals and help. Other centers like the Aiken County Family Y (621 Trolley Line Road, Graniteville) and True Testament Church (1031 Reynolds Pond Road) are stepping up to provide assistance, so please reach out to them if you need help.
Schools are also serving as support hubs. For instance, Jet Middle School (1095 Columbia Highway, Johnston) and Paul Knox Middle School (1804 Wells Road, North Augusta) are available as resources. Should you need help with medical needs, including oxygen, the aforementioned Family Y locations are equipped to assist you.
Support for Mental Health
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed during such turbulent times. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, please know that support is available. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is just a call away at 988, while the National Disaster Distress Hotline is available at 800-985-5990. If texting is more comfortable for you, simply send “TalkWithUs” to 66746. Help is within reach.
Help with Power and Utilities
If you’re facing issues with power or utility services, Aiken Electric Co-Op can be contacted at 877-264-5368, while Dominion Power can assist you at 888-333-4465. Remember, if you encounter any downed power lines or sense a gas leak, please call 800-815-0083 right away.
Debris Collection and Cleanup
Aiken City officials are actively working to clear debris following the storm. They’ve announced that there will be no restrictions on the size of debris piles during collection, but they kindly request that branches and trunks be kept to a length of six feet or less to facilitate pick-up. Please be courteous when placing debris along roadways to ensure it doesn’t obstruct traffic.
For those who prefer to drop off debris, please note that Langley Drop-Off Center, Barden Landfill, and Wagener Landfill remain open for yard debris. Remember, all other centers will only be taking household garbage until further notice.
Water Challenges
As for water systems, the New Holland water supply is currently down. However, the New Holland Volunteer Fire Department is providing non-potable water at their headquarters for flushing toilets and washing. Their location is at 2243 Old Ninety-six Indian Trail, and you can access the hose on the left side of their bay building, but please remember not to block the driveway!
Final Thoughts
As we move forward, it’s essential to remember that we are all in this together. Let’s keep our spirits up and support one another as we navigate through this recovery. Please stay tuned for more updates and reach out to your neighbors or local organizations if you require assistance. Together, we can rebuild Aiken stronger than ever!
