Spartanburg County Long Term Recovery Group

Spartanburg County Long Term Recovery Group Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Spartanburg County Long Term Recovery Group, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), 175 Community College Drive, Spartanburg, SC.

The Spartanburg County Long-Term Recovery Group (SLTRG) is a network of local organizations working to coordinate recovery efforts from disasters like Hurricane Helene and build future disaster resilience.

What an incredible day of partnership, compassion, and community in action!More than 100 volunteers came together to mak...
06/01/2026

What an incredible day of partnership, compassion, and community in action!

More than 100 volunteers came together to make our Stronger Together: Helene Recovery and Preparedness Community Event a success, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for every person and organization who stepped up to serve.

Together, volunteers from the Spartanburg Long Term Recovery Group, Spartanburg County Community Emergency Response Team, Lutheran Church Charities, Resurrection Lutheran Church of Spartanburg County, SC, Samaritan's Feet International Lutheran Servants for Christ, and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs joined forces alongside amazing community partners including S CB Legal Service, United Way of the Piedmont, Spartanburg County Emergency Management,
Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Spartanburg County Community Development, Lutheran Services Carolinas and SC Office of Resilience

Because of this incredible teamwork, 208 families impacted by Hurricane Helene received much-needed resources and supplies. Families were invited through our case management pipelines, and thanks to the dedication of our case management partners and volunteers, the event exceeded all expectations.

Families received children’s items, quilts, first aid supplies, shoes, preparedness information, weather radios, and so much more… along with encouragement, kindness, and hope.

We are thankful for the many churches and organizations who donated and served. More than 35 churches were represented, with
countless others contributing items and support to help neighbors still recovering from Hurricane Helene.

The presence of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Faith, Seth, and Zoara brought smiles, comfort, and plenty of cuddles throughout the day, reminding us all that healing comes in many forms.

And despite one little sewer hiccup, the event truly went off without a hitch! A special thank you to the Una Fire Department for coming to the rescue and helping keep everything running smoothly.

We also want to extend our sincere thanks to the City of Spartanburg, SC for allowing us to use the Northwest Center to host this event. We are grateful for your continued partnership and support in serving our community.

This event was truly a reflection of what can happen when a community chooses to stand together. Recovery is not a journey anyone should walk alone, and Saturday showed the power of partnership in supporting those still rebuilding after Helene.

To every volunteer, donor, partner, church, and supporter… thank you. Your compassion, hard work, and servant hearts made this possible.

When disaster strikes, our community shows up... not just to recover, but to prepare.Recently, several local fire depart...
03/18/2026

When disaster strikes, our community shows up... not just to recover, but to prepare.

Recently, several local fire departments participated in Technical Rescue: Intro to Building Collapse training at a home that was structurally damaged when a tree crushed the roof during Hurricane Helene.

In an incredible act of generosity, the homeowners allowed the property to be used for hands-on training for more than 80 firefighters. During the training, crews practiced critical skills such as shoring and stabilizing structurally compromised buildings, techniques that help protect both first responders and the people they rescue during emergencies.

Partnerships like this are powerful. They allow our local responders to gain real world experience while also honoring the resilience and generosity of families affected by disaster.
As rebuilding continues across our community, we hope to continue creating opportunities like this where recovery and preparedness come together to make our region stronger and safer.

To the homeowners who made this training possible and to the firefighters dedicating their time to serve our community: thank you. Your partnership and commitment truly matter.

Navigating Recovery: Weekly TipsSpend your FEMA grant wisely! Recipients of grants should use the funds wisely and only ...
12/08/2025

Navigating Recovery: Weekly Tips

Spend your FEMA grant wisely!

Recipients of grants should use the funds wisely and only for disaster-related expenses.

Disaster grants should not be used for travel, entertainment, regular living expenses or any discretionary expenses not related to the disaster.

FEMA also encourages recipients to keep their receipts for three years to show how the funds were spent. After every major disaster, FEMA conducts audits of disaster assistance payments to ensure that taxpayer dollars were properly provided by the agency and appropriately used by recipients.

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When FEMA provides financial help after a disaster, it’s meant to cover essential needs directly caused by the event. Spending it correctly protects survivors from having to repay FEMA and ensures a smooth recovery process.

Below is an easy guide for survivors and volunteer partners.

✅ Allowed FEMA Expenses

These are examples of expenses that FEMA usually allows when related to disaster damage:

🏚️ Home Repairs
- Structural repairs to make the home safe, sanitary, and functional
- Floors, walls, ceilings
- Windows and doors
- Roofing repairs
- Plumbing, electrical, HVAC repairs
- Appliances needed for basic living (stoves, refrigerators, water heaters)

🏠 Temporary Housing
- Rent at a safe place while repairs are underway
- Security deposits
- Utility start-up fees in the temporary home
- Hotel expenses (if FEMA approved)

🛏️ Personal Property
- Essential household items such as:
- Beds & bedding
- Clothing
- Basic kitchen items
- Work tools needed for employment
- Items needed for a child’s education

🛒 Disaster-Related Needs
- Cleanup supplies
- Medical, dental, or funeral costs directly caused by the disaster
- Childcare costs required due to disaster disruption
- Transportation repairs if the vehicle was damaged in the event

❌ NOT Allowed FEMA Expenses
These expenses often lead to survivors owing money back if spent incorrectly:

🚫 Routine Bills & Personal Debts
- Credit card payments
- Loan payments
- Normal utilities not tied to temporary housing
- Regular household expenses (gas, groceries, routine repairs)

🚫 Home Upgrades or Remodeling
- Adding rooms
- Cosmetic improvements (new paint, flooring choices unrelated to damage)
- Modernizing the home beyond “pre-disaster condition”

🚫 Non-Disaster-Related Purchases
- Electronics not essential (TVs, gaming systems)
- Furniture upgrades
- Luxury items

🚫 Vehicles
Buying a new vehicle unless FEMA specifically approved replacement
- Vehicle upgrades

🧾 Keep Your Receipts!
Survivors must keep receipts for 3 years to show FEMA how the money was used.

Volunteer agencies and LTRG partners must also maintain paperwork that documents:
Funding sources
Materials purchased
Volunteer labor provided
Any unmet needs addressed
A clear paper trail protects both survivors and agencies during audits.

📌 Quick Tips for Survivors
1. If you are unsure whether an expense is allowed, ask your case manager before spending the money.
2. Spend the funds only on disaster-related needs.
3. Keep all receipts together in an envelope or photo album on your phone.

FEMA may request proof—even years later.

Address

175 Community College Drive
Spartanburg, SC
29303

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