Dillon County Long Term Recovery Group Compassionate Service

Dillon County Long Term Recovery Group COMPASSIONATE SERVICE

“DCLTRG is there to assist during tumultuous times. Community members have been supplied with heaters, air conditioning units, and fans to help during tough times. Responding to home fres is another service DCLTRG provides. Victims are given immediate assistance with temporary housing and other tangible resources such as clothing and furniture.”

The Dillon County Long Term Recovery Group (DCLTRG) has provided high-quality disaster assistance since the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Started by Dillon native, Kenneth Smith, the organization prides itself in connecting with clients and providing the exceptional and compassionate service they deserve. Kenneth has devoted much of his time to relief and recovery projects throughout Dillon County. His goal with DCLTRG is to return clients to a safe, secure, and sanitary home. The nonprofit organization has worked alongside the Dillon Disaster Preparedness Agency from its existence to help aid the citizen's afected return home. Kenneth explains, “We understand that your needs can change at the last minute, but we’re ready to adapt our services quickly.” Dillon County LTRG has established ongoing partnerships with agencies and businesses to ofer assistance with home repair and in severe cases, home replacement. After Hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas, the organization held a home dedication in Latta, South Carolina, for Ms. Angela Jones. Ms. Jones had sufered damage to her home including flooding and roof damage which caused mold to begin growing. She and her daughter eventually became sick. Her daughter underwent several surgeries related to upper respiratory issues. “Today Ms. Jones is enjoying her brand new 16x60 Champion mobile home that is fully paid for,” says Kenneth. “Life brings about natural disasters as well as personal disastrous events,” Kenneth explains. DCLTRG is there to assist during tumultuous times. Community members have been supplied with heaters, air conditioning units, and fans to help during tough times. Responding to home fires is another service DCLTRG provides. Victims are

given immediate assistance with temporary housing and other tangible resources such as clothing and furniture. DCLTRG has partnered with several agencies and organizations to efectively serve the public. Harvest Hope Food Bank, Palmetto Disaster Recovery, South Carolina Disaster Recovery, Rali Dillon, Northeastern Rural Health Network, and South Carolina Association of Habitat for Humanity are a few. DCLTRG partnered with Pee Dee Community Action Partnership's Whittaker Head Start Center to disburse necessities for students and teachers alike. Nutritional drinks, first aid kits, cleaning supplies, and incontinence products have been furnished in ongoing joint ventures with local nursing homes, assisted living centers, Counsel on Aging, and the Dillon County Free Medical Clinic. Meals have been given to patients of CareSouth Carolina that lack transportation. In response to COVID-19, Dillon County LTRG has distributed Pandemic Flu Kits, masks, hand sanitizer, and other emergency supplies to those in need. "Since March 10, 2020, we have distributed approximately 122,000 pounds of food.” Kenneth continues, “As the uncertainty of COVID-19 intensifies, we will continue to come alongside our community with essential items and resources. DCLTRG recently announced membership with Eastern Response and Recovery. We look forward to supporting the citizens in Dillon County and throughout the East Coast by providing readiness, relief, and recovery before, during, and after a disaster.” For more information or to see how you can help take part in DCLTRG, call (843) 621-6626 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm or visit them online at www.dilloncountyltrg. org. You can also follow them on Facebook at Dillon County Long Term Recovery Group.