BURTON — Residents still feeling the impact of Hurricane Helene now have options for personal assistance through a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.

The center opened on October 29 at the Burton Wells Recreation Center located at 1 Middleton Recreation Drive and will remain open until October 31 from 8am to 7pm.

Representatives from FEMA, the State of South Carolina and the US Small Business Administration will be available to provide assistance with no appointment necessary.

After Helene, Beaufort joined 27 other South Carolina counties plus the Catawba Indian Nation qualify for FEMA assistance.

Beaufort County’s addition to the disaster declaration came after a FEMA team surveyed damaged properties in the county as part of an effort to determine eligibility for federal funds, Beaufort County Administrator Michael Moore said.

That analysis found around $3 million in property damage in the county. The county did not qualify for reimbursement for its Helene-related expenses.

“If a person has damage to their property, that’s what this statement will allow,” Moore said.

Governor Henry McMaster also announced The US Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans individuals and businesses in a number of counties affected by Helene, including Beaufort and Jasper counties.

Loans of up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace real estate damaged or destroyed by the disaster. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property damaged or destroyed by the disaster.

Individuals seeking FEMA assistance can start at disasterassistance.govor by calling 800-621-3362.