Where to Find Resources and How People Can Help
Updated October 3, 2024, with new fema assistance
Following the destruction and devastation of Hurricane Helene, and as we recover in the aftermath, Clemson University continues to assist our students, employees and the surrounding community.
Communities across our area and throughout the Upstate, as well as in Western North Carolina, continue to face horrendous and heartbreaking conditions. Many are facing personal loss, property damage, emotional and financial strain.
Below are several resources available to students, faculty, staff and community members.
Student Resources
Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund was created to help students with financial assistance in a time of need. This fund is intended to be a supplemental financial resource when students are unable to meet immediate and essential expenses due to unexpected, unforeseen, and unavoidable circumstances.
Paw Pantry and Other Resources
Resource tables will be set up in both Hendrix Student Center and Littlejohn Coliseum to address individual needs and determine appropriate follow-up with students. Additionally, select items from Paw Pantry and other resources (such as toiletries and snacks) will be available in Hendrix on the second-floor lounge for students in need. Tables and resource areas will be set up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the rest of the week.
CARE Network
The CARE Network offers individualized assistance to Clemson students by assessing needs, identifying support networks and resources, and offering referrals to campus and community partners. Outreach is conducted once a CARE referral is filed.
Community Resources
Clemson is offering access to resources for students, faculty, staff and members of the local community at Littlejohn Coliseum from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. this week. The facility provides access to power and Wi-Fi, while offering an assortment of concession food, water, ice and a limited number of showers. Hendrix Student Center is available for community members needing access to power and Wi-Fi, and the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex is open with limited access to showers. Food, Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) and water are being distributed by drive-thru from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the P-5 park-n-ride lot adjacent to Hwy 76/28. Distribution (PODs provided by Pickens County) are expected to run through Sat., Oct. 12 or until community needs are met.
Employee Resources
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance is now available to help residents of Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg counties recover from Hurricane Helene. Assistance includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured losses, up to $750 for lost groceries due to power outages and temporary housing assistance if displaced. Learn more via DisasterAssistance.gov, (800) 621-3362 or the FEMA app.
Employee Emergency Fund
The Employee Emergency Fund can assist employees who are experiencing times of financial hardship due to unexpected, unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances – like the costs of repairing storm damage or other emergency hurricane-related expenses.
Any Clemson University employee, staff or faculty, is eligible to apply for a grant (up to $500 within a 365-day period) from this fund that has been established through the Clemson University Foundation. Applications are reviewed by a committee for approval and administered based on available funds.
Apply through the Employee Emergency Fund website. Employees should provide as much detail as possible when completing the application. Documentation of the hardship is required and will be requested via email after submission of the application.
Employee Assistance Program
ComPsych, Clemson’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides comprehensive support and resources for employees and their family members. The EAP provides confidential emotional support for individuals, either virtually or over the phone.
Along with a repository of helpful resources for recovering from natural disasters, these specific resources are available:
- Tips for Applying for Disaster Assistance (PDF)
- Financial Tips for Recovering from Natural Disasters (PDF)
- Coping with a Traumatic Event
How Individuals Can Help
Donate to the Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund is a university-wide initiative coordinated by the Office of the Dean of Students in close consultation with the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Student Emergency Fund was created to help students with financial assistance in a time of need.
Donate to the Employee Emergency Fund
The Employee Emergency Fund is supported by donations from the Clemson community. Make your gift through Clemson Giving. Gifts can be made on a one-time or recurring basis.
Donate to Clemson University’s Employee Food Bank – The Nook
Designed to help faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity or financial hardships upon opening in November 2024, The Nook, located just off Klugh Avenue on campus, will serve as a place where Clemson employees can feel comfortable getting assistance in a respectful, compassionate and confidential manner. Interested faculty and staff can also make monetary donations via Clemson Forever.
Statewide Assistance
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has developed a “Ways to Help Your Community” website help list organizations supporting recovery efforts. If individuals are able volunteer in person, visit SCEMD’s Donations and Volunteers page to find the VolunteerSC information and link.