7 Clarendon families placed in homes after 2015 flood

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Seven families from Clarendon County are among more than 60 during the past month to be placed in new homes as a result of the 1,000-year flood that hit the area more than a year-and-a-half ago. The South Carolina Disaster Recovery Office announced the new numbers on March 16, bringing Clarendon County's total helped to 18 since the office began releasing data in December. The families receiving new housing completed the application and award process through SCDRO. Their previous homes were severely damaged by the October 2015 storm, which dumped more than 24 inches of rain within two days. The damaged homes were demolished and removed from the property. "They are the first of many families SCDRO will serve," said spokeswoman Beth Parks. "Before receiving an award letter, citizens must apply for assistance at one of SCDRO’s intake centers. Award letters notify citizens that they have been accepted into the program. The letter also lists the next steps the citizen must take to move forward." Intake centers were held in Clarendon County in late November and early December in Summerton, Manning and Turbeville locations. "Once approved, it is up to the resident to decide if he or she will participate in the program," said Parks. "SCDRO protects the personal information of the citizens we serve and will release only the county and zip code for households served by the program." Other counties with residents aided by the office in March include Berkeley, Charleston, Darlington, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Lee, Orangeburg, Sumter and Williamsburg. SCDRO is accepting resident applications related to the October 2015 storm through April 30. Two permanent application intake centers are located at 318 E. Main St. in Kingstree and 725 Broad St. in Sumter. Each office is open 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. SCDRO also operates mobile offices in several counties in the state. To make an appointment at one of the intake centers, residents may visit the SCDRO website at www.scstormrecovery.com or call 1 (844) 330-1199. "The goal of SCDRO is to serve as many residents as possible," said Parks. "SCDRO intends to repair or replace approximately 1,500 homes affected by the October 2015 Storm." The program, she said, is designed to assist low- to moderate-income households and serve South Carolina’s most vulnerable population. "The highest priority is given to households with documented damage, households with persons who are 65 years old or older, persons with documented disabilities, or households with children five years old or younger," Parks noted.