By Jessica Caldwell, Editor
It has been twenty days since Hurricane Helene hit Spartanburg and all the states around us in South Carolina. Many of USC Upstate’s students and their families have experienced hardship since Hurricane Helene brought devastation to the south.
Calling 211 or texting “help” to 211-211 or going to the SC211 website can help you find the right place for your exact needs and is available year-round for resources.
For federal resources, apply through FEMA on the Disaster Assistance website.
Below are some of the agencies and programs where you can get or give help in Spartanburg County:
United Way of the Piedmont
203 E. Main Street, Spartanburg | 1.866.345.3086 / 864.582.7556
While the United Way of the Piedmont is no longer taking hurricane relief requests, they have other resources and can help you find the right place for the help you need.
The United Way is also running a community donation drive for hurricane relief. They have drop off points in and near Spartanburg at Greer Relief, Middle Tyger Community Center, Total Ministries, The Bridge at Green Street, and Upstate Family Resource Center.
Disaster Hotline Services
366 N Church Street, Spartanburg | 864.860.1644
Provide help getting necessary and critical medications.
American Red Cross of the Upstate South Carolina
701 Saxon Avenue, Spartanburg | 864.271.8222
Can help provide shelter and other critical services. You can also check out their website for the location closest to you and your needs.
The Salvation Army of Spartanburg
1529 John B White Sr. Boulevard, Spartanburg | 864.576.6670 | NSCSpartanburgHelp@uss.salvationarmy.org
Can help provide financial assistance with utilities and prescriptions. There are residency requirements as well as income requirements. Offices are open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
They encourage making financial donations to aid in relief for Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Campus resources
There are several food banks operating throughout the area. There is even one on campus.
Spartan Pantry:
Spartanburg Campus: The Office of Student Involvement on the 2nd floor of the Olin B. Sansbury, Jr. Campus Life Center. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Greenville Campus: Room 129, back hall of the Mary Black College of Nursing Suite at the University Center. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30-noon Friday.
And as always, USC Upstate has several ways for students to receive help and meet their needs. Below are just a few of those ways.
Counseling Services: 864.503.5195
Health Services: 864.503.5191
Care Team is available for all students and can be reached by going to the following website and you can also refer someone else if there is concern.
USC Upstate has also started a fund for hurricane relief. The USC Upstate Relief Fund will support campus members who have been impacted by the storm.
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