In the days following the October 2015 flooding, United Way of the Midlands was hands-on in the initial phase of relief efforts. Our strategy was simple: do what United Way does. So we examined the needs, determined the most effective and efficient way to help, rallied our partners and resources and deployed them. Here is just a snapshot at our role during the initial phase of disaster relief.

Placing Volunteers

From October through December 2015, we coordinated more than 1,300 volunteers shifts over than 6,600 hours of work. Our volunteers are AMAZING. They helped distribute water, organize donations, clean up, staff shelters and fill in wherever they can help. We cannot thank them enough.

Working Together

In partnership with the City of Columbia, Transitions and the Salvation Army, we opened the first shelter for the area's homeless population before the first drop of rain even fell.

In the days following the disaster, United Way convened local housing partners to get people moved out of shelters quickly and into better accommodations; working with Salvation Army to move people displaced by the flood into hotels and helping with security and utility deposits to get people moved back into housing.

We directed in-kind donations to the appropriate partner agencies and enlisting the support of partner organizations such as Enterprise Holdings, Terminix and The COMET to help transport goods

Distributing Funds

Individuals and organizations from 48 states and two countries have donated $1 million dollars to United Way's Flood Relief Fund. These donations are already being distributed and are being used directly for disaster relief. Donations will incur no administrative fees, allowing for 100% of donations to go to helping flood victims.