Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette visits Allendale County for second “Team SC County Day”

ALLENDALE, S.C. (WJBF) – South Carolina state leaders continue to visit our local counties following Hurricane Helene—which hit the CSRA exactly three weeks ago.

Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette took the trip from Columbia to Allendale to help with recovery efforts.

Since Helene hit our area, state leaders have been working to organize Team South Carolina County Days.

The first one was Tuesday, October 15th at Piedmont Technical College in Laurens County, South Carolina.

Organizations and agencies from across the Palmetto State met at USC Salkehatchie to offer a quick one-stop shop to meet the needs of those affected by the hurricane.

"FEMA is here (and that gets the ball rolling), Director Duncan with the Office of Resiliency—which is our state version of what FEMA does with resources. We also have every other state agency, and you just don't realize how valuable this is until you start to see people walking in," said Evette.

The following agencies were in attendance:

Two weeks ago , Evette joined Governor Henry McMaster for a visit to Edgefield County. At that point, 53% of residents were still without power, but now that's not the case.

"I heard on Saturday morning that the Co-Op in Edgefield County got their last person back up and running with power on Friday around 8 o'clock, so that's good. As for the Internet, our internet providers can't get on the poles until the electric is done," Evette said. "So as soon as the electricity is on and it's safe for them to go, they'll be on the job in a jiffy."

Residents from Edgefield, Barnwell, and Bamberg counties were able to take advantage of the services.

Leaders from those state agencies say they're just happy to help.

"One thing our agency does for low to moderate income individuals is if their homes are damaged or destroyed by a disaster, if they meet the qualifications, we can repair or replace their homes," said S.C. Department of Resilience Rep. Ben Duncan.

"We are just here at this location to help people understand the registration process. To register for disaster assistance, ask us questions about the process, and just answer any questions whatsoever that they might have about the recovery," said FEMA Rep. Nikki Gaskins-Campbell.

"It's not that we can cut the tree off your house, or magically fund you for federal dollars that can solve all of your problems. But when we're here we can see the devastation, we can see what they're going through. I think it lets the community know just how much we care, and that's why it's important to be here," Evette added. "This is Team South Carolina, and this is what makes our state so special. We come together as neighbors and friends, and we're here to help you."

The Lieutenant Governor also shared her criticisms of the Biden-Harris administration.

She says the hurricane adds to financial issues those in rural counties like Allendale face because of inflation over the past few years.

With three weeks to go until Election Day, she not only vocalized her and Governor McMaster's support for former President Donald Trump, but emphasizes the importance of getting out and voting.

"The Biden-Harris economy has really hurt a lot of people—even people in our state that is really prosperous," said Evette. "The governor and I are big supporters of President Trump, and soon-to-be Vice President Vance. Just hearing their plan and what they can do makes us excited for November 5th. I just encourage everybody to get out and vote, even in a bright-red sate like South Carolina."

Evette will be in Aiken on Friday, October 18th for another Team South Carolina County Day.

The event will feature the above agencies once again, and this time the services will help residents in Aiken, Saluda, and Edgefield counties.

The Team SC Day will be at the USC Aiken Convocation Center in Graniteville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.