Conway High School was converted into the largest shelter in the area, offering refuge to over 460 people on peak night. Over 2,000 people spent the night in shelters in Horry County on peak night.
“DSS was an outstanding partner to ensure there were safe facilities and everyone’s needs were met,” says Amy. “They were great in helping us organize where we could distribute supplies, and being able to communicate with these severely damaged communities.”
The American Red Cross also worked closely with the Horry County Emergency Management Department.
“I especially want to recognize Randy Webster for his assistance,” Amy says. “The entire department was essential in preparing us and making sure the roads were clear and safe for our community and especially our volunteers, to get out and serve our community. They were the unsung heroes of the event, as well as the National Guard, the Department of Transportation, and the Salvation Army— all of whom have a seat in this operation center that is run by the Management Department.”
After the storm, volunteer community members with the Red Cross distributed over 5,000 clean up kits across Horry and Georgetown counties, which includes a bucket filled with gloves, mops, bleach, and Damprid, as well as 1000 shovels, rakes, and masks— materials to help people get started on the road to cleaning up their community after the storm.
“Our caseworkers are also partnering with FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to provide financial assistance to those families that were devastated during the storm,” says Amy. “Traditionally, the homeowner is the one receiving FEMA funds. But thanks to the generosity of our donors, the American Red Cross can provide additional assistance to those displaced families— the household that is renting— during the interim period of homelessness.”