Chester County South Carolina (original) (raw)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2024

Chester County Awarded Individual Assistance for Residents Impacted by Tropical Storm Helene

Chester County, SC – Chester County is pleased to announce that residents impacted by Tropical Storm Helene are now eligible to apply for Individual Assistance (IA) through FEMA. This critical financial support is available to residents who suffered uninsured property damages or other losses due to the storm.

The IA program, which is awarded on a case-by-case basis following detailed damage assessments, will provide support for essential needs such as temporary housing, basic home repairs, personal property loss, and other disaster-related expenses. Chester County Emergency Management worked diligently to assess and document the extent of the storm’s impact, ensuring that residents' needs were fully represented to state and federal officials.

"We are grateful for the incredible efforts of our Emergency Management team in securing this vital assistance for our community," said Chester County Administrator Brian Hester. "Their dedication has made it possible for our residents to begin the process of rebuilding and recovering from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Helene."

How to Apply:

Residents can now begin submitting applications for FEMA assistance through the following methods:

Please have the following information ready when applying:

Residents with homeowners, renters, or flood insurance should file a claim with their insurance provider as soon as possible. FEMA assistance will not duplicate benefits covered by insurance, but additional aid may still be available if insurance does not fully cover disaster-related expenses.

Upcoming In-Person Assistance:

Chester County Emergency Management, in coordination with FEMA, is working to establish Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) where residents can receive in-person assistance to apply for benefits. The location and schedule for these DRCs will be announced in the coming days.

Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer low-interest loans to residents and businesses affected by the storm. More information on the SBA loan application process will be made available soon.

Chester County urges all residents who experienced uninsured damages or losses from Tropical Storm Helene to apply for assistance as soon as possible. This is a significant step forward in the county's recovery, and we stand united as a community in supporting one another through this challenging time.

For more information, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or contact Chester County Emergency Management at (803) 377-4632

Media Contact:
Brian W. Hester
County Administrator
Chester County Government
Phone: (803)377-1021
Email: bhester@chestercountysc.gov

About Chester County:
Chester County is committed to supporting its residents and rebuilding stronger communities in the wake of disasters. We continue to work diligently with local, state, and federal partners to ensure our community receives the necessary resources for recovery.

Whether your dream is starting your own business, living in a beautiful rural setting or purchasing an historic home in a town where neighbors still stop and visit as they stroll past, Chester County is the place you have been looking for.

Located just off Interstate 77 between Charlotte, NC and the state capital in Columbia, Chester County is the perfect location for residents as well as businesses. Economic growth is booming here but there are still ample opportunities to own some acreage or your dream home at a reasonable price. Commercial sites are also still available.

We are a growing, thriving community of diverse individuals. We celebrate our history as we stride boldly into the future. We are proud to welcome GITI, the 9th largest tire manufacturer in the world, to its new U.S. headquarters in Chester County. Our community is on the cusp of something great and we are excited to see what tomorrow holds in store.

It’s a great day to live, work, and grow in Chester County!