Meadowfield resident gets help with damage from October flood

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Summerton resident Gary Livingston was undergoing a life-changing medical procedure when the October floods decimated his unit at Meadowfield Apartments.

Livingston was specifically in the hospital, having his legs amputated. Last week, he was the final resident in the beleaguered complex to receive furniture through a grant received by the United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties and the Long Term Recovery Group.

"The Tri-County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has formed the Long Term Recovery Group, which is responsible for the long-term support and recovery from the October floods for Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties," said United Way marketing and communications specialist Megan Ray. "United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties is the fiscal agent for the LTRG."

Ray said the United Way partnered with the Salvation Army to receive grant funds from Blue Cross Blue Shield to help with Clarendon's flood relief efforts, specifically the Meadowfield residents affected by the devastating rainfall.

Residents were the first to be evacuated in the early morning hours of Oct. 3 as more than 20 inches of rain fell on Clarendon County. About a week later, after residents were allowed to return to the apartments to pick up the pieces, another heavy rain forced the complex's second evacuation.

"It has been a difficult time for many of these residents," Ray said. "They continue to rebuild their lives even five months later."

Ray said the LTRG is "a collaborative team tasked to strategically align all available resources, including volunteers, material donations and alternative funding, to support the recovery needs of our community."

"This group assesses the greatest unmet needs of individuals in the area, assists local organizations in aiding flood victims, seeks financial and in-kind resources and determines priorities for funding recovery efforts," Ray said. "The collaboration includes community leaders, representatives from affected communities, FEMA, non-profits, the faith-based community and others."

Ray said while financial assistance has been imperitive for the group, it is not the only aid provided, as evidenced by the furniture provided to Livingston.

"Identifying current housing options for residents with immediate housing needs is an important aspect of the group, as well as working with local agencies and volunteer groups to determine where, and how, donated or reduced-cost building materials and labor may be used by affected residents," Ray said. "The LTRG also plans to help with rebuilding assessments of damaged homes."

Volunteer help is a major asset to families needing assistance rebuilding, removing debris or other major projects, she added. A volunteer task force has also been formed to connect volunteer groups with those that need assistance.

"United Way has agreed to take on the role of fiscal agent for the long term recovery fund," Ray said. "Already, many individuals and businesses have generously donated to help local residents. The fund will be administered by the Long Term Recovery Group, and 100 percent of the funds will be used for flood recovery in Sumter, Clarendon, and Lee Counties. In addition to donations already received, the LTRG will be seeking donations and grants to aid in recovery efforts.