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USDA approves DSNAP relief for households in these 14 South Carolina counties impacted by Hurricane Helene

Credit: WLTX

COLUMBIA, S.C. — After Hurricane Helene in September 2024, many residents of South Carolina lost not only their homes and businesses but the food in their refrigerators, freezers and cupboards. To that end, on November 1, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved 28 counties in South Carolina eligible for disaster supplemental nutrition assistance program (DSNAP) funds under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. DSNAP benefits are provided via an electronic debit-like card and can be used to purchase food items at authorized SNAP retailers.

However, officials said food loss alone will not qualify someone for DSNAP. Residents in qualified counties who meet DSNAP income guidelines may be eligible if they saw damage or destruction to their home, lost or could not access income due to reduction, termination or delay, or suffered disaster expenses that are not expected to be reimbursed during the disaster relief period. Examples of these include home and business repairs, temporary shelter and evacuation.

Applicants should be prepared to provide proof of identity, address and income. They should also be able to prove the value of unreimbursed damages directly related to the storms and their loss or inability to access income become of them.

Because of the sheer number of eligible households in those counties whose food supplies were affected by the storm, South Carolina's Department of Social Services (DSS) will be handling DSNAP implementation in two phases:

If your home is in one of the Phase Two counties and you meet the DSNAP income guidelines, you may be eligible for DSNAP funds if the household experienced AT LEAST ONE of the following conditions as a direct result of the September 27 storms:

Residents who believe they qualify can pre-register online until the window closes on Thursday. DSS encourages applicants to include as much information on the pre-registration form as possible, including their county of residence, date of birth, current contact information and a photo of their South Carolina Driver's License or identification card. Otherwise, the applicant may have to apply in person once onsite events begin.

Telephone interviews for pre-registered homes in Phase Two counties begin on Monday, Nov. 18 and run through Thursday, Nov. 21. In-person events will be held from Dec. 2 to Dec. 6 for people who can't pre-register and complete a phone interview.

DSS stressed that online pre-registration and interviews cannot be completed at a local DSS office, and visits and calls to those offices will not speed up the process for DSNAP.

DSS said current SNAP recipients aren't eligible for DSNAP but may still be able to receive a disaster supplement if their monthly SNAP benefit is less than the maximum monthly allotment based on household size. SNAP recipients in several impacted counties who qualify should have received a supplement on their EBT cards on or before Nov. 13.

SNAP recipients in Kershaw County who suffered a disaster loss can go to a designated site from Dec. 11-13 and file an "Affidavit of Loss" to request a supplement to their October SNAP benefits.

The family of Zelig Williams, an SC native and Broadway dancer, is offering up to $10,000 in reward money for information leading to his discovery.

Williams, 28, was last seen leaving his home on Longwood Road on October 3. A day later, his car was found more than 30 miles away parked at the Palmetto Trail Head parking lot.

The family has hired private investigator Chandra Cleveland of SHE-Private Investigations to investigate his disappearance.

Williams was last seen at his residence a little before 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 3 at the 400 block of Longwood Rd. in Columbia. The Richland County Sheriff's Department was contacted by a family member on Friday, October 4 stating that Williams had not been heard from by any family member since October 3.

Williams was last seen driving in the area of the Congaree State Park, and the vehicle he was driving was located at the Congaree State Park with no evidence of a crash, and his belongings were found inside the vehicle. An investigation revelaed that Williams had been at the Palmetto Trail Trailhead (intersection of 601 and Bluff Rd. in Eastover), and a witness reportedly saw Williams and his vehicle in the same location on the afternoon of October 3.

Sheriff Leon Lott and family and friends of Zelig Williams held a press conference Wednesday morning, pleading with the public to continue sharing Zelig's picture.

"He is just the epitome of friend and a talent, and a creative," said Williams' friend and fellow dancer, Caroline Lewis-Jones. "Please keep sharing, not just liking, but share and get his face everywhere if you can."

Since the launch of the investigation on October 4, RCSD has deployed several resources including K9, aircraft, drone, and multiple search parties. The Department of Natural Resources and a group of volunteers have provided assistance in the search through Congaree National Park.

"We have used every means of man power and technology that's available, we've used them in the past and we continue to use them. We'll continue to search until we find him,"said Sheriff Leon Lott.

Family members say it's out of character for Williams to go without contact, and he is in need of prescribed medication.

"It's believed that when he went missing he stopped taking his medicine, and that would put him in a situation that he would be very, very vulnerable, so he may appear to be in distress and maybe even in a trance-like state," said Williams' cousin, Mieoki Corbett-Jacobs. "So we beg you to please pay attention and bring him home."

Investigators continue to travel throughout the state to follow up on leads to find Williams. Several RCSD investigators were at the Palmetto Trail Trailhead again Tuesday, searching for Williams with K9 units.

Officials are asking for anyone who has seen or heard from Zelig Williams, or has any information regarding his disappearance, to please call the Richland County Sheriff's Department at (803) 576-3000 or submit an anonymous tip through CrimeStoppers.

The votes are in, and Ridge View running back Spencer Bobian wins the vote for The State’s Midlands High School Football Player of the Week.

Thanks to all who voted. A new poll will be up on Monday afternoon.

The nominees are listed below. Please note that these polls are not scientific and are meant to be just for fun. Congrats to all the nominees.

Spencer Bobian, RB, Ridge View: Sophomore carried it 20 times for 205 yards and a touchdown in a win over West Florence.

Sam Burks, RB, Northside Christian: Senior carried it 13 times for 167 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Trinity Collegiate.

Logan Clarkson, S, Lexington: Senior had 18 tackles, fumble recovery and pass break-up in a loss to Dutch Fork.

Jamere Crooks, WR/DB, Ben Lippen: Junior caught two passes for 81 yards and a score, threw a 25-yard TD, rushed eight times for 66 yards and had four tackles in a win over Laurence Manning.

Rha’Zarie Harris, S, Lower Richland: Senior free safety had six tackles and two interceptions in a win over Lakewood.

Jarvis Jackson, LB, Dutch Fork: Junior had seven tackles (two for loss) and a quarterback pressure as the Silver Foxes recorded their fifth shutout of the season against Lexington.

Cooper James, QB, Gilbert: Senior was 13 of 19 passing for 236 yards and six touchdowns, including the game-winner and two-point conversion with 46 seconds left in win over Brookland-Cayce.

Jeremiah Knightner, RB/LB, CA Johnson: Sophomore carried it 11 times for 88 yards, a TD, had four tackles, one sack and returned a fumble for a touchdown in a win over Great Falls.

Maleek Miller, WR, Irmo: Sophomore had five catches for 71 yards, two carries for 69 yards and two kickoff returns for 125 yards and three total TDs in a win over White Knoll.

Angelo Rios, RB, Westwood: Sophomore carried it 33 times for 229 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Lugoff-Elgin.

Jackson Ross, LB/K, Hammond: Sophomore had 12 tackles (two for loss) and returned an interception for a touchdown in a win over Northwood. Ross also kicked a 35-yard yard field goal and had three punts downed inside the 5-yard line.

Desmond Washington, QB, Keenan: Senior was 19-of-24 passing for 274 yards, three touchdowns and carried it 12 times for 52 yards and a TD in a win over Fox Creek.

Tyler Waller, QB, Gray Collegiate: Junior was 10 of 11 passing for 202 yards and three touchdowns in a win over South Aiken.

Roper Wentzky, QB, AC Flora: Junior was 20 of 26 passing for 516 yards and five touchdowns in a win over Dreher.

Brayden Williams, RB, Saluda: Junior carried it 19 times for 151 yards, three touchdowns and caught two passes for 55 yards and a TD in a win over Ninety-Six.

Dontrell Wilson, DL/OL, Camden: Junior had 8.5 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two quarterback pressures and graded out at 93 percent on 11 snaps at right guard on offense in a win over York.

This story was originally published October 21, 2024, 11:30 AM.

The State

(803) 771-8419

Lou Bezjak is the High School Sports Prep Coordinator for The (Columbia) State and (Hilton Head) Island Packet. He previously worked at the Florence Morning News and had covered high school sports in South Carolina since 2002. Lou is a two-time South Carolina Sports Writer of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.

Raines breaks ground on the Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista in Columbia, S.C. Developed and managed by Raines, this will be the second Shepherd Hotel in South Carolina. With design and architecture by Garvin Design Group and built by Mashburn Construction, the Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista is scheduled for completion in the fall 2025.

The first Shepherd Hotel opened in downtown Clemson, S.C., in September 2022. The brand was co-founded by Rick Hayduk, a seasoned hotel executive; Rich Davies, a third-generation real estate developer; and Dabo Swinney, Clemson University head football coach. Inspired by his two children with Down syndrome, Hayduk had long been interested in opening a hotel that employed individuals with disabilities. The Shepherd Hotel Downtown Clemson opened in collaboration with ClemsonLIFE, a Clemson University program that empowers students with intellectual disabilities to follow their career goals and experience life on a college campus. The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista will partner with the University of South Carolina’s CarolinaLIFE program to offer similar opportunities through the university’s School of Hospitality and Tourism.

“The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista celebrates our passion for the hospitality industry and our commitment to our communities,” David Tart, managing partner, Raines, said in a statement. “We are excited to provide valuable skills and career opportunities for students and young adults with intellectual disabilities, particularly in college towns.”

“The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista is a special milestone for us, as it builds on our mission to provide exceptional hospitality experiences through creating sustainable employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in the industry,” added Hayduk. “We are thrilled to partner with Raines Co. to bring the second Shepherd Hotel to life.”

The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista will transform the historic Columbia Central Fire Station into a 59-key boutique hotel. The hotel is located in the Vista, a historic development project in proximity to the University of South Carolina, the South Carolina Statehouse, Colonial Life Arena, and the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

This adaptive reuse project will honor the history of the Columbia Central Fire Station, one of the city’s oldest fire stations, while incorporating modern amenities like a fitness center, board room, lounge, and valet parking. Kevin Johnson, James Beard Nominee and University of South Carolina alumnus, will lead the hotel’s food and beverage program. The on-site restaurant will serve both locals and hotel guests offering small plates, craft cocktails, and a robust beer and wine selection.

“We're proud to be a part of this project, which blends our passion for historic preservation and our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality spaces,” said Lee Mashburn, president, Mashburn Construction. “Working with the Raines team is an exciting opportunity. We are honored to contribute to the revitalization of this iconic building. We are also thrilled to be constructing the second Shepherd Hotel in South Carolina, just blocks from Mashburn’s corporate headquarters."

“The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista is not only another significant addition to the Raines portfolio, it will also introduce a new caliber of hotel to the Columbia market,” said H.S. Russell, a longtime investor in the hospitality space and executive board member at Raines. “We look forward to seeing the impact this hotel has on the community for years to come. Our commitment to this mission is very important to me, my family and our business.”

Raines Hospitality Garvin Design Group Mashburn Construction Clemson University South Carolina University of South Carolina Adaptive Reuse Boutique hotel Construction Renovations

Raines, a leading hospitality management, development, and investment organization, is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista in Columbia, SC. Developed and managed by Raines, this will be the second Shepherd Hotel in South Carolina. With design and architecture by Garvin Design Group and built by Mashburn Construction, the Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025. The first Shepherd Hotel opened in downtown Clemson, SC, in September of 2022. The brand was co-founded by Rick Hayduk, a seasoned hotel visionary; Rich Davies, a third-generation real estate developer; and Dabo Swinney, Clemson University Head Football Coach. Inspired by his two children with Down Syndrome, Rick had long been interested in opening a hotel that employed individuals with disabilities. The Shepherd Hotel Downtown Clemson opened in collaboration with ClemsonLIFE, a Clemson University program that empowers students with intellectual disabilities to follow their career goals and experience life on a college campus. The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista will partner with the University of South Carolina's CarolinaLIFE program to offer similar opportunities through the University's School of Hospitality and Tourism. "The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista celebrates our passion for the hospitality industry and our commitment to our communities," said David Tart, managing partner, Raines. "We are excited to provide valuable skills and career opportunities for students and young adults with intellectual disabilities, particularly in college towns.""The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista is a special milestone for us, as it builds on our mission to provide exceptional hospitality experiences through creating sustainable employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in the industry," added Hayduk. "We are thrilled to partner with Raines Co to bring the second Shepherd Hotel to life." The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista will transform the historic Columbia Central Fire Station into a 59-key boutique hotel. The address, 1001 Senate St., Columbia, SC, is in the heart of The Vista, a historic development project in proximity to the University of South Carolina, the South Carolina Statehouse, Colonial Life Arena, and the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The location in the Vista is prime location, within walking distance to a variety of restaurants and leisure activities. This adaptive reuse project will honor the history of the Columbia Central Fire Station, one of the city's oldest fire stations, while incorporating modern amenities like a fitness center, board room, lounge, and valet parking. Kevin Johnson, James Beard Nominee and University of South Carolina alumni, will lead the hotel's food and beverage program. The on-site restaurant will serve both locals and hotel guests offering small plates, craft cocktails, and a robust beer and wine selection. "We're proud to be a part of this project, which blends our passion for historic preservation and our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality spaces," said Lee Mashburn, president, Mashburn Construction. "Working with the Raines team is an exciting opportunity. We are honored to contribute to the revitalization of this iconic building. We are also thrilled to be constructing the second Shepherd Hotel in South Carolina, just blocks from Mashburn's corporate headquarters."2024 has been a landmark year for Raines. The company added more than 20 properties to its management portfolio since January, including 16 hotels in a landmark deal with Atlantic Hotels Group. Raines has been dedicated to holistic, sustainable growth, especially in the lifestyle sector, where they continue to expand their lifestyle division, Woven by Raines. In 2023, the company commemorated its 35th year in the hospitality industry and acquired third-party management company HP Hotels, among other accomplishments.

Raines is one of the Southeast’s premier hospitality management, development, and investment groups, offering a comprehensive approach to its impressive property portfolio and client base.

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