In the fall of 2015, the University of South Carolina established a flood recovery fund to help UofSC faculty and staff who needed assistance during the devastating flood that impacted our community. The Carolina family generously donated to the effort, and in 2017, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) contributed another donation to provide even more relief to our employees who experienced losses.
We are leveraging our partnership with United Way of the Midlands to identify a process
for assisting those in our university community who still need help. United Way recommends SBP, a highly regarded recovery organization in home repair,
to administer a rebuilding program for those still dealing with home repair needs
as a result of the flood.
How to Apply
USC faculty and staff who are still suffering losses from the 2015 flood may apply for assistance from February 21 – April 30, 2018 by submitting the SBP application. Please pay special attention to the requirements and program qualifications listed below. After the application period closes on April 30, a case manager from SBP will contact you within 10 days.
In order to qualify for assistance employees must meet the following requirements:
- Lived in the home before the October 2015 floods.
- Own the home and possess a clear title–ownership must not be contested. (SBP is unable to work on mobile homes.)
- Own only one property which will serve as the owner’s primary residence upon completion of repairs and is within a 30-mile radius of the SBP SC office.
- Unable to afford a market-rate contractor.
- Household Income does not exceed 120% AMI.
- Contribute financially to the rebuilding costs (this will be based on income and other factors.)
- Be able to sustain homeownership, which includes maintaining flood and homeowners insurance.
- Be a willing and active partner in the rebuilding process.
- Currently employed as faculty or staff at the University of South Carolina.
If you have general questions about the process, please contact Jamar Mitchell at 803-777-0435. For additional resources and information regarding our efforts in 2015 please see our previous assistance webpage.
Volunteer opportunities to help USC community members will be announced on this page during the rebuilding phase.
If you would like to help the more than 300 families who still need help [pdf] in Lexington and Richland counties, please visit the United Way of the Midlands Volunteer Center or restoringhopesc.org to learn ways to get involved [pdf].
Meet Our Partners
The mission of the United Way is simple: to unite people and resources to improve the quality of life in the Midlands. United Way works to determine and respond to the critical human service needs of the community, based on priorities, opportunities and resources. Through the Restoring Hope initiative, United Way has helped confront the struggles of 200+ households affected by the October 2015 historic flood and are continuing efforts for those still in need. United Way leads the Midland's Flood Recovery Group (MFRG) to coordinate the recovery in Richland and Lexington counties.
Zack Rosenburg and Liz McCartney founded SBP in March of 2006. With the tremendous support of donors, volunteers and corporate partners, the organization has grown from a three-person volunteer team into a national organization headquartered in New Orleans. SBP is a recognized leader in disaster resilience and recovery, with a mission to shrink time between disaster and recovery. SBP assists local residents in rehabilitating their homes impacted by the 2015 flood in South Carolina and other disasters. SBP utilizes a combination of in-house trades, volunteers and subcontractors to complete the repairs on clients’ homes.
The United Way of the Midlands has significantly invested in SBP’s local home repair work and are pleased with the repair quality, leverage achieved with volunteer labor, and the ambition of SBP staff and leadership to improve our community. Homeowners and volunteers also report good experiences.
Posted February 20, 2018
Updated March 26