Give Help
Your donation will help provide critical response and recovery support to impacted residents in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties.
For in-kind donations, please call 2-1-1 and we will direct you to a partner agency in need.
About the
Rapid Response Disaster Fund
Generous individuals, organizations, and business partners are coming together to support those impacted by Tropical Storm Debby & related flooding through the Rapid Response Disaster Fund. United Way of the Coastal Empire (UWCE) is spearheading the fundraising efforts alongside community partners and emergency managers.
The purpose of this fund is to offset disaster costs for victims. These funds will not fully cover damages caused by the storm. We will continue to collaborate with community partners to connect our community residents to additional services and support.
What can the
funds support?
The Rapid Response Disaster Fund can support up to $1000 of flood-related costs per household, based on need, and as funds are available.
- Stable Housing: Home repairs, rent deposits, insurance deductibles, select appliance replacements, mold remediation, and cleaning supplies.
- Transportation: Vehicle down payments, auto repairs, gas support, transportation assistance (bus passes & ride shares).
- Basic Needs: Food and clothing.
- Medical: Medical supplies/device replacement.
- Temporary Shelter: Hotel/Motel Assistance.
Eligibility
Requirements
Clients must be in an area identified by county emergency management agencies as highly impacted by Tropical Storm Debby and related flooding events in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties. Verification and proof of impact will be required and may include but is not limited to:
- Address verification (e.g., State ID or recent utility bill).
- Proof of impact (e.g., a photo).
- Quotes for home or auto repairs.
- Verification of home and/or auto insurance.
How is the fund managed?
100% of donations will go to assist impacted residents. Funds will support short-term, intermediate, and long-term recovery efforts.
Funds are paid to third-party vendors on behalf of the client based on quotes, verifiable damage, and needs.
If referrals to other programs can be made, we will refer first to ensure the best use of resources.
How to Access the Funds
Funds will be managed by United Way’s 211 Information & Referral team.
Residents impacted by the storm may contact United Way’s 211 Information & Referral System for critical resources and information by calling 2-1-1, emailing [email protected], or visiting United Way’s website at uwce.org/211.
UPDATE:
We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our community, which has allowed us to provide immediate and intermediate financial assistance to those affected by Tropical Storm Debby and the related flooding through the Rapid Response Disaster Fund. Due to the overwhelming need following the storm’s devastation, our current financial resources for immediate and intermediate financial assistance have been fully allocated. At this time, we are unable to accept new applications for the Rapid Response Disaster Fund or provide immediate financial aid.
We will continue to support community residents impacted by the storm through our 211 Information and Referral Service, referring them to community partners who may have resources available to help with more immediate needs. Community residents who contact our 211 Information and Referral Service may also be added to a waitlist for the Rapid Response Disaster Fund, should additional resources become available.
We remain committed to supporting our emergency management partners as our communities focus on long-term recovery efforts. Thank you for your understanding.