SC Legal Services offering free legal help to Hurricane Helene survivors

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More than a year after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of South Carolina, many residents are still grappling with legal and financial challenges tied to recovery. A statewide nonprofit is urging storm survivors to seek free assistance, according to a press release from South Carolina Legal Services.

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 Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida on September 26, 2024, and swept through the state with hurricane-force winds and historic rainfall. The storm spawned 21 tornadoes, caused record river crests on the Saluda and Congaree rivers and resulted in 50 deaths in South Carolina — more than Hurricane Hugo — according to the release.

“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 organization can assist with FEMA appeals, insurance claim disputes, landlord-tenant issues, foreclosure concerns, contractor fraud, bankruptcy and disaster-related tax relief, among other matters, the release said.

Residents can apply for assistance at sclegal.org/helene or by calling 1-888-346-5592.