By Tamara Goins
(CUBNSC) Columbia, S.C. - In the aftermath of one of the most devastating natural disasters in American history—Hurricane Helene—Richland County residents proved that community strength can overcome even the harshest challenges. This week, communities across the county came together to support vulnerable citizens as they battled through the wreckage, including prolonged power outages and food shortages.
The Broad River Business Alliance (BRBA), under the leadership of Executive Director and President Javar Juarez, joined forces with Richland County Councilwoman Gretchen Barron, Building Better Communities Perry Bradley, Right Direction International Church, Richland County Government, and the Midlands Food Bank to lead a robust and swift response. Together, they served more than 600 households, and an emergency hotline, which received over 1,700 calls, helped connect residents with hot meals, non-perishable food items, and crucial referral services.
The response effort was widely covered by local media, particularly as many residents expressed frustration with the lack of immediate governmental support. Richland County, left in an undeclared state of emergency for days, had many residents—particularly in marginalized Black communities—without power for more than a week. As of Saturday, October 5th, over 900 households remained in the dark, a stark reminder of the disparities that persist across the county.
Community-Led Relief Shines a Light on Inequities
The most vulnerable among the residents—elderly individuals, people without transportation, and those isolated in their homes—were the primary focus of the emergency response. Churches, civic organizations, and ordinary citizens mobilized to ensure their neighbors’ needs were met, bringing into sharp focus the gaps in governmental emergency planning and highlighting the need for sustained community-driven infrastructure.
Javar Juarez, through the BRBA, had already been working on a community emergency response system well before Hurricane Helene hit. The BRBA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and South Carolina public charity, had been building a digital platform and community response command center to connect case managers directly with residents in need. This system allowed volunteers and case managers to be on the ground, responding to urgent needs without the delays of political bureaucracy or red tape.
The effectiveness of this system became evident when government entities began to funnel their resources into the BRBA-led efforts, recognizing that community volunteers had already mobilized in real-time. Even South Carolina's Department of Emergency Management Services struggled to keep up with the grassroots efficiency of local responders.
Drew Wellness Center Becomes Ground Zero for Aid
One of the central hubs of relief activity was the Drew Wellness Center, which quickly became an epicenter for food drop-offs and community volunteer engagement. Case managers working alongside local volunteers helped assess the damage throughout multiple zip codes in Richland County. As they entered some of the hardest-hit areas, they encountered widespread destruction, including damaged homes, sewage leaks, flooding, downed power lines, and loss of internet services. Initial estimates suggested millions of dollars in damage across the region.
The BRBA's community emergency response system proved that when organized and engaged, communities can shape policy and drive action faster than traditional government systems. The sheer determination of these volunteers showed that it is possible to mobilize, plan, and execute strategies effectively without relying solely on government resources.
Building for the Future: A Call for Funding
Looking ahead, Javar Juarez is focused on securing funding to keep the community emergency response system operational year-round. He has called on local, county, and state governments to invest $125,000 in the system to ensure that, moving forward, communities can engage proactively with partners and providers. Juarez emphasized that the recent disaster should serve as a wake-up call for political forces, urging them to support well-established agencies like the BRBA, which have proven themselves as effective stewards in times of crisis.
During a public appearance at Crane Creek Park, Juarez reflected on the resilience of the people of Richland County: “This is quintessential South Carolina. It doesn’t matter what community you’re from—we are all in this thing together, one to another.” His words captured the spirit of unity that has helped residents weather this unprecedented storm.
The community’s response to Hurricane Helene serves as a powerful reminder that when government resources fall short, it is the collective strength of neighbors, faith leaders, and local organizations that can drive real change. Moving forward, it is clear that a community-led emergency response model, like the one pioneered by the BRBA, is not only viable but vital.
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