Community Comes Together in Columbia to Support Residents Without Power
Columbia, S.C. has been facing challenges in the wake of the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene. Even though progress has been made and the number of residents without power has significantly dropped since September 27, there are still nearly 2,500 individuals in Columbia and Richland County trying to rebuild their lives without electricity. Thankfully, the local community is stepping up to provide much-needed assistance to those still struggling.
Linda Hayes, a resident of the Greenview neighborhood, shared her experience of the ongoing struggle, saying, “We’re starting all over again.” This sentiment resonates with many who have regained power but still remember the hardships brought on by the storm. Thankfully, the City of Columbia is offering a helping hand, providing residents with shelter, charging stations for their devices, hot showers, and even free meals.
Support Locations in Columbia
While places like Hyatt Park and the Drew Wellness Center are still opened to provide support, Greenview Park has become a one-stop-shop for those who need resources. According to Hayes, the support at Greenview Park is invaluable for the community, especially for those still working their way back to normalcy. “It’s good. They were offering food, and different supplies and ice. The only thing I got from over there was the ice,” she mentioned, adding that having access to food made a big difference, “We didn’t have to worry about eating yesterday.”
City Officials Acknowledge Ongoing Needs
Kenya Bryant, the Interim Director of Columbia Parks and Recreation, stated that while the number of individuals in need has diminished, there are still many who could use assistance. He noted that the city’s efforts over the past week have successfully fed hundreds of those in need. “Some people need ready-to-eat meals because they had no power in their refrigerator so now their food is spoiled,” he explained. The city is particularly requesting food donations to help meet the needs of those who are still struggling.
What can residents donate? Bryant suggested, “Whether it’s sandwich meat, whether it’s bread, peanut butter and jelly, things of that nature.” By offering convenient, easy-to-eat options, the community can support their neighbors who are affected by this storm and its aftermath.
Community Involvement
To help facilitate the distribution of food, Leevy’s Funeral Home has stepped in to lend a helping hand at Greenview. On Wednesday, October 3, they were involved in getting food to the people who need it the most. It’s a heartwarming example of how the community rallies together during tough times.
As the City of Columbia continues assessing the ongoing needs day-by-day, they remain committed to providing these resources to those in need for as long as possible. The support network that has developed is a testament to the resilience and determination of Columbia’s residents. If you find yourself in a position to help, whether through donations or simply spreading the word about available resources, your efforts could make a world of difference to someone struggling.
In times of crisis, it often takes a village to not only recover but to thrive. As Columbia navigates through these testing times, the community spirit shines brightly, proving that together, they can overcome any obstacle. So let’s keep the support going – because every small act of kindness counts!
