Full press release below

$500,000 Allocated in State Budget to Support Storm Recovery in Rock Hill’s Southside

Rock Hill, SC —At the request of local leaders and with support from the local state delegation, Rock Hill was awarded an allocation of $500,000 in the state budget to support recovery efforts for homes on the Southside impacted by the severe storm that occurred on April 20, 2024.

Mayor John Gettys said, “In the face of tragedy, the people of Rock Hill join together to support one another. Council members Derrick Lindsay and Perry Sutton helped from day one, clearing trees from homes and roads, serving meals, and convening resources, all while dealing with damage at their own homes. Our local state representatives, led by Representative John King’s efforts, were integral in securing this funding through the state budget process.”

Representative John R. King commented, “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues in the SC House of Representatives for honoring my request for funding to aid the residents of Rock Hill who have been affected by the recent storm. Securing $500,000 in storm damage funds will provide much-needed relief and support to our community as we work together to rebuild and recover. This funding is a testament to our collective commitment to the well-being of the citizens in my district for which I represent.”

The significant weather event on April 20 with heavy winds and hail severely damaged homes and businesses in Rock Hill’s Southside. Due to the localized nature of the storm, minimum thresholds of damage to qualify for federal funding were not met.

Homeowners in need of assistance were identified through the damage assessment survey tool rolled out by York County Office of Emergency Management following the storm. Local roofing contractors worked with the Housing Development Corporation of Rock Hill to donate labor, and in some cases materials, to repair roofs of Southside income-qualified residents without homeowner’s insurance.

Gettys added, “We’re grateful for the support of the contractors willing to donate their time and resources to assist those in need. Additionally, over $52,000 was collected in monetary donations to support the Rebuild Southside efforts. Special thanks to ‘Community Funders’ for donating a large portion of that. The funding allocated by the state will help continue that work to 20+ additional homes who qualify, as well as support repairs to windows and siding for those who need it.” Community Funders is an organization of like-minded individuals and business interests supporting storm recovery and other related needs.

To date, contractors that supported recovery efforts through in-kind donations include Leitner Construction, Fraser Roofing, Vision Roofing, Lake Murray Construction, Nelms Roofing, Merritt Roofing, Blue Collar Roofing, and Siding by the Best. Leitner Construction also donated materials. The total cost of in-kind services complete so far is estimated at over $60,000, with more to come.

With the combination of donated funds, state allocation, and in-kind donations, we anticipate approximately 60 households will receive the needed repairs.

Additional Quotes

“One of the reasons I love Rock Hill is how the community always pulls together to help those in need.  This storm caused so much damage to those who owned generational homes here and it was imperative that we advocate for assistance from the State.”

— Representative Brandon Guffey

“This earmark is testimony to the collaborative efforts of the City of Rock Hill and our state delegation in an attempt to bring some relief to those community members who suffered damage during the storm.”

— Representative Heath Sessions