By: Vareva Harris, Co-Editor | vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
Recovery efforts remain ongoing in Woodruff after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene from September 25 to October 7, 2024. Residents still in need of debris cleanup assistance can contact Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386 or, if within city limits, call 864-476-8154 for local support.
City Manager Lee Bailey confirmed that tree removal efforts are steadily progressing and are expected to be completed by March 2025. Residents are encouraged to continue reporting hazardous debris to local authorities as cleanup crews work to restore affected areas.
While the January 28 deadline for FEMA assistance has passed, late applications are being accepted for up to 60 days. Applicants must provide a reason for the delay but are not required to submit supporting documentation. According to Nikki Gaskins Campbell, FEMA Media Relations Specialist, “Some reasons a disaster survivor may need more time to apply for FEMA assistance past they deadline, include but not limited to:
▪ A member of their family had a serious illness or injury.
▪ A member of their household passed away.
▪ Getting married or going through a divorce.
▪ Having a child (including adoption and foster care placement).
▪ They were travelling (personal or business reasons) and weren’t in the area during the full application period.
▪ Their household experienced domestic violence or human trafficking.
▪ Disaster-specific issues, like losing electricity, communication equipment, etc.”
Each case will be reviewed individually. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA App, or by calling 800-621-3362, where multilingual assistance is available daily.
“To date, FEMA has provided more than $269 million in federal assistance to more than 242,000 individuals and households affected by Hurricane Helene in South Carolina. This money is offered to help pay for housing repairs, personal property replacement, and other recovery efforts,” FEMA Press Release (2/11/2025).
Woodruff officials urge residents to remain patient as cleanup operations continue. Those in need should take advantage of available resources to aid in their recovery. For ongoing updates, residents should follow official city channels and stay informed about support efforts.
Author: Tracy Sanders
