Flood Victims Food Assistance Thursday

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Richland County, S.C. (WOLO) — Hundreds of cars filing in and thousands of people flocking to a mile long line, all with one thing in common. “We need the food, we need food,” says flood survivor Katherine Cummings. Waiting to apply for, disaster SNAP benefits, provides an opportunity to exchange stories of historic South Carolina flooding that left so many without basic necessities. Richland County resident Timothy Mock explains,”We were evacuated from our trailer park 3 times on Alpine Road because of the flood.” “A lot of us are having to put out money for repairs or didn’t have the coverage for certain things in the flood. you had to come out with a way to do it,” says Cummings. “We had to take what little stamps we had to buy water and food. We really need help.” And help is what officials are providing. Richland County residents who’s homes sustained damage during the floods can apply for food assistance at Word of God Church on Diamond Lane. According to Reese Palmer, Richland County Director of DSS, “This has been an event that has effected people across all socioeconomic backgrounds and different areas of the county. We’ve seen everyone in this county represented here.” To apply for benefits residents must bring an I.D., proof of Richland County residency and dated documentation of home damage. Those who qualify receive a card which will have benefits loaded on it within the week. “This relief could be the difference between a family having food on the table. You know we’re here to be a safety net for people who need this type of assistance for their families,” tells Division Director of County Operations for Economic Services Karama Bailey. For flood victims the line, which weaves, in out and around buildings, serves as a reminder of the long road to recovery. Cummings says,”I was extremely surprised I was thinking wow, all of these people make you realize the magnitude of the problem here.” Residents can apply for DSNAP benefits in the following locations in the applicable county. Lexington Residents: Lexington County DSS Office 1070 S. Lake Dr. – Suite A Lexington, SC 29073 Richland Residents: Word of God Church and Ministries 119 Diamond Lane Columbia, SC 29210 Sumter Residents: Sumter Civic Center 700 W. Liberty Street Sumter, SC 29150 Dorchester Residents: Crossroads Community Church 505 Gahagan Rd. Summerville, SC 29485