STRONGER TOGETHER AFTER HURRICANE HELENE
A One Year Reflection
When Hurricane Helene struck, Greenville County woke up to a community forever changed. Trees down, homes destroyed, power gone, families displaced. In those first hours, uncertainty loomed, but so did courage.
United Way of Greenville County did what it does best. We became the command center, the distribution hub, and the convener. We rose to the occasion when no one else could, rallying partners, volunteers, and resources to meet the urgent needs of our neighbors and begin the path toward recovery.
In the aftermath of Helene, the generosity of our Greenville Community helped create the Community Relief Fund, raising more than $3 million to power immediate relief and long-term recovery.
By the Numbers
30,000+ Community members impacted
27.5 Truckloads of supplies distributed
14 Tons of food & essential items
40 Nonprofit organizations supported
20 Faith-based groups engaged
7 Schools provided with resources
powered by generosity
This impact was only possible because of thousands of donors, foundations, and companies who stepped in when our community needed it most. A heartfelt thank-you to our generous funders whose support makes this work possible:
a first-of-its-kind partnership
When families lost everything, Airbnb and United Way of Greenville County created a first-of-its-kind housing partnership in South Carolina.
This partnership, piloted with the United Way Association of South Carolina, became a national model. Since then, it’s been replicated in states like Kentucky—proof that Greenville’s resilience has ripple effects far beyond our county.
Power Restored, Hope Renewed
In West Greenville, the hurricane left entire neighborhoods in the dark for days. Refrigerators were silent, food spoiled, and families worried about how they would keep their children nourished. Relief efforts filled that gap—hot meals, bottled water, and supplies arrived just in time. Parents lined up not only for food, but for peace of mind. One mother said, “When everything else stopped, at least I knew my children wouldn’t go to bed hungry.” Volunteers and neighbors rallied together, turning fear into connection. Even as the lights stayed off, a sense of community shone brighter than ever.
Healing After the Storm
For one Greenville woman, Hurricane Helene wasn’t just another storm, it was a terrifying reminder of instability. Having survived years of hardship and trauma, she had finally found a safe place to heal. Then the hurricane came, threatening to undo it all. Relief funding stepped in to cover her housing and essentials, keeping her from returning to the streets. “The storm reminded me how fragile life can be—but also how strong people can be when they come together,” she said. With stability preserved, she continued her journey toward healing, supported by a community that refused to let her fall through the cracks.
A Family Finds Their Footing Again
When Otis and his wife—high school sweethearts—stood in front of what was left of their storm-damaged home, three children clinging to their sides, they felt both heartbreak and fear. In a matter of hours, everything they had worked for was gone. With nowhere else to turn, they leaned on the support made possible through the Community Relief Fund. Rental and food assistance allowed them to stabilize, keep their children safe, and focus on putting the pieces back together. “We didn’t just lose a house—we lost the place we raised our babies,” Otis shared. “Having a roof again meant we could breathe.” Today, their kids are back in school, the family is reestablishing routines, and hope is slowly returning.
COLLABORATION IN ACTION
United Way’s partnerships were quickly established and leveraged to address food insecurity and housing instability—many of which are still active as we plan and implement long-term recovery. Our monthly coordinated calls with these partners continue today, keeping a pulse on community needs, long-term recovery, and future preparedness.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
In the first critical days after Hurricane Helene, United Way of Greenville County became an in-kind donation hub for our community. Generous donors stepped forward with supplies to meet the most urgent needs such as water, food, hygiene items, and other essentials, as power outages stretched on.
Through this effort, we provided funding and supplies to agencies that were on the front lines, ensuring that resources reached families quickly and directly. These agencies played a vital role in keeping neighbors safe and cared for when it mattered most.
Able SC
Advent Backpack Blessings
Beech Springs Church
Berea High School
Berea Middle School
Bethlehem Baptist Church Food Pantry
BootPrint
Carolina High School
Catholic Charities of SC – Upstate
Center for Community Services
Changing Your Mind Ministries
Church of God La Semilla de Mostaza
Downtown Outreach Ministry
Dream Preparatory Academy, Inc.
First Impression of South Carolina
Greenville Church Without Walls
Greenville Multicultural Church
Greenville Technical College
Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc.
Grove Elementary (Communities in Schools of SC)
Highland Food Mission
Hispanic American Women’s
Infinite Possibilities, Inc.
James Monroe Mission House
Jasmine Road, Inc.
Joy of the Lord Ministries Food Pantry
Lakeview Middle School
Long Branch Baptist Church
Mosaic Educational and Arts Program
Neighborhood Cancer Connection
Neighborhood Focus
Our Lady of the Rosary Food Pantry
Panes y Peces
Pendleton Place
Phillis Wheatley Community Center
Piedmont Emergency Relief Center
Project Host
Rock of Ages Baptist Church
Safe Harbor, Inc.
Slate Marietta Health & Human Services
Soteria Community Development
St. Mark United Methodist Church
St. Vincent de Paul, St. Mary Magdalene
STAR Center / Caring Corner at Greenville Technical College
Step by Step Ministry Hope Project, Inc.
Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources (SHARE)