Press Release
Four months after a deadly EF-4 tornado with winds topping out at 175 mph tore a twenty-four-mile path through Hampton County, the Hampton County Assistance Fund continues to raise funds to reach their $500,000 goal. To date the funds raised have exceeded the half way mark.
The members of the organization have spent countless hours working with local and state organizations to establish the Hampton County Assistance Fund, raise necessary funds for this project, and set-up an application process. Although funds are continuing to be raised, applications are now available for residents to apply for assistance through the Hampton County Assistance Fund at https://www.facebook.com/Hampton-County-Assistance-Fund-111746860523481 or by emailing hc.assistancefund@gmail.com.
The April 13, 2020 tornado, which was the strongest in Lowcountry history and the first recorded EF-4 tornado in South Carolina since 1995, left five people dead and more than 50 residents injured. Fifty-eight homes were completely destroyed, displacing countless families that were left searching for housing. In total, nearly 150 homes were damaged or destroyed and the expected cost to repair or replace these homes exceeds $5 million.
In response to this disaster, citizens of Hampton County formed a Long-Term Recovery Group in order to aid in the recovery of this disaster and any future disasters the County may experience. In order to collect tax-deductible donations, The Hampton County Assistance Fund was established in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, a non-profit organization. The Hampton County Assistance Fund is a co-operative body made up of representatives from faith-based, non-profit, government, business, and other organizations within the Hampton County community.
For those who wish to apply for recovery funds, you can find the application on the Hampton County Assistance Fund Facebook page or by emailing hc.assistancefund@gmail.com. The Hampton County Assistance Fund board will provide the available funds to residents in a fair and equitable way, attempting to help as many as possible. Factors such as income, family size, elderly/disabled, insurance coverage, and prior assistance received will be taken into consideration in an attempt to prioritize applications. All applications will be considered and any extenuating circumstances will be taken into account as well. It is essential that applicants provide the necessary documentation with their application in order to receive fund approval. Applications must be received by Friday, October 23, 2020 to be considered.
“We are blessed to be able to provide support to the families across our Hampton County community,” said Wendy Jarrell, Co-Chair for Hampton County Assistance Fund. “The generosity of our community will benefit the families who need it most. We know that we won't be able to meet every need of every resident but we are confident that we will be able to make significant contributions to assisting the many affected residents of Hampton County.”
It is anticipated the cost of recovery efforts will only increase as we move forward. To donate to the Hampton County Assistance Fund you can use the following options:
Checks: Written payable to the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry with the memo line designated to Hampton County Assistance Fund. Mailed to Jeanne Seckinger, Post Office Box 457, Hampton, SC 29924.
Credit Card: https://cflowcountry.civicore.com/hampton-county-assistance-fund
