Community Reflections: Helping South Carolinians during a winter storm

Paula Williams and her daughter, Darlene Newsome, eating a warm meal at the Hillcrest High shelter in Greenville Co., SC.

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Paula Williams and her daughter, Darlene Newsome, eating a
warm meal at the Hillcrest High shelter in Greenville County, SC.

Wayne Vetter and Eric Basso, both Greenville Co. residents, working their first shift on their first deployment at their first shelter as Red Cross volunteers.

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Wayne Vetter and Eric Basso, both Greenville County residents,
working their first shift on their first deployment at their first shelter as
Red Cross volunteers.

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January 24, 2026

Story told by: Jamie Raichel, Executive Director, Upstate Chapter

As we brace for a historic ice storms projected to have devastating impacts across Upstate South Carolina. The most important thing at this moment is that people in our communities know where they can find a safe, warm, place to stay until the storm passes and roads clear. We have many vulnerable residents who need us right now and I’m honored to be part of an organization focused on that mission.

Today, I visited a shelter resident who made a hard, but wise choice to leave her home in Laurens, SC due to concerns about power outages. Paula relies on oxygen to breathe and the loss of power could be life threatening for her.

This was not Paula’s first time staying in a Red Cross shelter. After Hurricane Helene, she found our shelter in Simpsonville, SC. Paula stayed with us for 10 days in October of 2024 and expressed her relief when she found out we would be opening ahead of this winter storm. “I didn’t sleep at all last night at home just worrying about if the power was going to go out," said Paula. "Thank you for having this place for us to come to.”

I also visited with a couple of newvolunteers who recently trained as shelter workers and accepted their first assignment at the Hillcrest High School shelter. They were proud to be wearing their Red Cross vests!

I visited Zoe, the 20-year-old feline fur baby of another shelter resident. Greenville County Animal Care generously brought a trailer full of kennels and supplies to house 100 pets! We are grateful for this collaborative partnership that makes it possible for pets like Zoe to stay warm and cozy in style and comfort.

As we all ride out the next few days, I hope you find warmth and comfort in knowing that you helped make it possible for people like Paula, and pets like Zoe, to find a little peace in the care and safety of a Red Cross shelter.

Our shelters are now open across South Carolina, and everyone is welcome.

Download the Red Cross Emergency App to view real-time shelter locations and details, or visit redcross.org/shelters.