MARION, SC (WBTW) – Marion County was among the areas hit the hardest by Hurricane Matthew six months ago.
Marion County Council held a meeting Tuesday to provide an update on how the county is recovering from the storm and also how the residents will benefit from the $52 million offered from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which will be administered by the South Carolina Disaster Recovery Office.
Neighbors in Marion County didn’t feel comfortable speaking on camera, but many community members voiced the need for more information and transparency about money that will be used to repair homes in Marion County.
State Senator Kent Williams says the money will be used to help low to moderate income families rebuild their homes.
“It’s moving pretty quickly, considering. I think the reason being is because of what they learned from the 2015 October flood,” said Senator Kent Williams.
Senator Williams says case managers have an office at the Marion County Administrator Building where they will take applications, then visit homes damaged by the storm.
Aubrasha Crawford says more than 300 people visited the disaster relief office in the first month.
“A lot of people need help with their homes for rebuilding. So, we try and assist with that,” said Aubrasha Crawford, Palmetto Disaster Case Manager Supervisor.To qualify for a portion of the $52 million grant, citizens must meet the following criteria:
- Meet the low-income housing and urban development guidelines
- Own and live in your home at the time of the storm
- Have unrepaired disaster- caused damage to a single family
Officials with the disaster recovery office say income is the first factor considered when determining if residents qualify for the assistance. After income, factors like having a disability, being 65 or older, or having children under 5-years-old living in the home, determine priority. More information is available about the Palmetto Disaster Recover Group on the SCDR website.
Williams says about 70 percent of the people that applied qualify for assistance.
“We have a lot of people still in need. A lot of people are still not in their homes. They need help. FEMA helped a lot of people but it wasn’t enough and hopefully the CDBG money will fill that gap,” Senator Williams said.
Senator Williams says construction on the homes that are eligible for repairs could begin as early as mid- August.
Council also mentioned the $1 million given to the county by the state for hazard mitigation. Council is considering using the money for back-up generators for schools and community centers.
The Marion County Long Term Recovery Team will meet Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Door of Hope Church to discuss the southern part of the county that didn’t’ receive much FEMA assistance.