Post-Helene Housing Challenges: United Way of the Piedmont

Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc throughout the Southeast. In the upstate South Carolina community of Spartanburg, thousands of downed trees are hampering efforts to restore power and establish temporary housing.

United Way of the Piedmont has stepped up, galvanizing resources in response to housing and food shortages, as well as debris removal. And they’re doing what United Way does day in and day out: mobilize people to buiild better communities.

For example, United Way is recruiting volunteers to help chainsaw crews clear properties; help collect, sort, and pack food and supplies; and deliver essentials to local pantries and families. Along with local churches and schools, United Way is also a drop-off point for essential supplies, from food and baby supplies to batteries, cleaning supplies and first aid items.

Temporary shelter is an urgent concern, and housing will continue to be a challenge, said Paige Stephenson, CEO of United Way of the Piedmont. United Way’s partnership with Airbnb.org is providing displaced residents with safe lodging.

Stephenson shared a story of a local couple who lost their home due to the hurricane. United Way helped them navigate the Airbnb application process and secure housing credits. “The Airbnb program has been a godsend for so many families,” she said.

The United Way-Airbnb partnership is also allowing local hospitals to keep its doctors and nurses housed, so they continue to provide care for the community.

As power gets restored, United Way anticipates a shift in assistance. “We expect calls for rent and mortgage assistance to increase as families (who lost work) struggle to keep up with payments,” Stephenson said. It will be a long-term recovery effort focused on housing and financial stability, she added.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call 211.