Greenville, S.C. — More than a year after Hurricane Helene brought destructive winds, heavy rainfall and widespread flooding to South Carolina, many residents are still facing long-term legal and financial challenges tied to recovery. South Carolina Legal Services is urging storm survivors to seek free legal assistance as insurance disputes, FEMA appeals and housing instability continue across the state.
With support from the American Red Cross, South Carolina Legal Services is providing free, confidential civil legal assistance to income-eligible residents affected by the storm. More than 430,000 South Carolina households registered for FEMA assistance after the storm. While physical rebuilding is ongoing, recovery experts say legal issues often surface months or even years after a disaster.
“Long after the storm passes, families are still working to rebuild their lives,” said Shunna Jeter, the nonprofit’s executive director. “Many survivors are dealing with delayed insurance payments, denied FEMA claims and housing challenges that threaten their stability and health. Our team is here to help remove legal roadblocks so individuals and families can move forward.”
The nonprofit can assist with a wide range of disaster-related civil legal issues, including:
● FEMA appeals and recoupment
● Insurance claim disputes
● Landlord-tenant issues and housing stability
● Foreclosure and mortgage concerns
● Bankruptcy and debt issues
● Property title and storm-related claims
● Disaster-related tax relief
● Contractor fraud and repair scams
Hurricane Helene brought widespread destruction to South Carolina in September 2024 after making landfall in Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 hurricane on Sept. 26 and maintaining hurricane-force winds far inland. The storm produced sustained tropical storm conditions and hurricane-strength gusts across the state, with wind gusts reaching 77 mph in Laurens, 75 mph in Beaufort and 73 mph at Sassafras Mountain in Pickens County. Helene also spawned 21 tornadoes statewide.
The storm’s most devastating impacts came from historic rainfall and flooding. Prior heavy rains had already saturated the ground, and Helene delivered an additional 8 to 24 inches of rain in the Upstate, causing record river crests and widespread flooding. The Saluda River near Greenville reached a record 20.26 feet, and the Congaree River near Columbia rose to nearly 31 feet, approaching the historic 2015 flood levels. Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure and agriculture and resulted in 50 deaths in South Carolina — more than Hurricane Hugo — leaving communities across the state facing a long and complex recovery.
South Carolina Legal Services encourages anyone experiencing Hurricane Helene-related legal problems — including FEMA denials, insurance delays or housing concerns — to seek help as soon as possible.
Residents can learn more or apply for assistance by visiting sclegal.org/helene or calling 1-888-346-5592.