When a powerful storm knocks out power across Pickens County, the neighbors most at risk are often older adults who live alone, rely on medical equipment, or have no easy way to get out. A new grant from the Duke Energy Foundation will help United Way of Pickens County reach those neighbors before the next disaster strikes.
United Way of Pickens County has received a $16,000 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. The funding is part of $500,000 the foundation is awarding to 34 nonprofits and government agencies across South Carolina ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. United Way of Pickens County will use its grant to proactively equip older adults with the resources, education, and personalized emergency plans they need to stay safe during and after natural disasters.
For someone who lives alone, a single storm can mean days without power, without medication, or without a way to call for help. With this funding, United Way of Pickens County will work directly with seniors to prepare before that moment arrives, so help is already in place when severe weather hits.
"We are incredibly grateful to receive the Duke Energy Foundation HERO grant," said Julie Capaldi, president of United Way of Pickens County. "This funding will directly enhance the safety and resilience of Pickens County's most vulnerable older adults. We will be able to proactively equip our seniors with the critical resources, education, and personalized emergency plans they need to stay safe during and after natural disasters."
The grant builds on United Way of Pickens County's ongoing disaster preparedness and recovery work, which helps local residents and community partners plan ahead, respond, and recover when disaster strikes.
“Duke Energy is proud to work alongside first responders when severe weather hits, and a critical part of emergency response is preparation,” said Tim Pearson, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president. “We strive to help fill the gaps in emergency preparedness our communities have, and hope that these grants can help emergency managers, first responders and community leaders better prepare to protect and help our communities.”
To learn more about United Way of Pickens County's disaster preparedness work, visit uwpickens.org/community-resilience