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Winter Storm Resources & Community Support

What’s Happening Now

United Way of Greenville County is actively coordinating with local shelters, food partners, emergency management and healthcare providers in response to extreme cold weather conditions. Information on this page is updated as conditions change and new resources become available.

Latest update: SATURday, January 24 at 1:00 PM

What’s new:

  • The Greenville County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated and is serving as the official source of truth for countywide emergency updates: https://gceoc.com/
  • Hillcrest High School will open as an American Red Cross emergency shelter at noon, with MREs, water and pet support for those staying on site
  • Limited temporary pet housing is available through Greenville County Animal Care for dogs and cats only; requests must be submitted in advance by calling 864-420-1526
  • Greenville County Schools will hold an eLearning day Monday, Jan. 26
  • No transportation options are available; please make your way early if safe
  • Additional shelter updates are available via the American Red Cross website, app and 1-800-RED-CROSS

Shelter & resource Information

Important: Travel early if safe to do so, as shelter access and conditions may change.

Hillcrest High School

Operated by the American Red Cross

2698 W. Blue Ridge Drive, Simpsonville

  • Emergency shelter with MREs and water available for those staying at the shelter
  • Animal Disaster Response trailer on site for pets
  • Residents should bring pet food and supplies and must stay with pets the entire time
  • Make your way to shelters as early as possible

The Salvation Army

417 Rutherford Road, Greenville
864-235-4803

Shelter for men, women and women with children.
  • Limited capacity
  • Daytime warming shelter available in the dining room
  • Blankets and meals provided for those staying at the shelter

Rescue Mission

575 W. Washington Street, Greenville
864-242-6933

Shelter for men only.
  • Opening 6:00 PM Saturday, January 24 and will remain open through noon on Monday
  • Unlimited capacity; will not turn people away

Shepherd’s Gate​

11 Regency Hill Drive
864-268-5589

Shelter for women & women with children.
  • Opening 6:00 PM Saturday, January 24 and will remain open through noon on Monday
  • Unlimited capacity; will not turn people away

American Red Cross

Multiple locations

  • Regional shelters — Anderson and Simpsonville shelters are open.
  • All others will open at 4 pm.

GC Animal Care

Temporary Pet Housing

328 Furman Hall Road, Greenville
864-420-1526

  • Limited temporary housing available for dogs and cats only
  • Space is limited and based on availability
  • Requests must be submitted in advance
  • Community members should not arrive without prior approval

Availability is limited and subject to change; approved placement is required before arrival.

additional shelters in the upstate

Visit SC211.org for a comprehensive list.

LiveWell Greenville

  • Feed & Seed has completed cold storage intake for food providers at risk of losing perishable food
  • Monitoring food security needs due to road conditions
  • Coordinating with partners on extended food needs next week

Meals on Wheels

  • Sent out meal kits for their current clients on Jan 23.
  • Keeping a close eye on the forecast and will share an update by Sunday morning regarding Monday’s delivery. Any changes or closures will be announced on WYFF and Meals on Wheels social media pages
  • Focused on seniors and homebound individuals

Medical & Specialized Support (Monitoring)

If you or someone with you is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Exploring options for:

  • Medical equipment power shelter
  • Medical triage support

Coordination underway; confirmation pending

American Red Cross

  • Ready to mobilize volunteers when safe
  • Food distribution mechanism available after 48 hours if disaster escalates
  • Coordinating food relief planning with LiveWell Greenville

Medical Equipment Power Shelter (MEPS)

24/7 Triage Line: 1-833-351-9990

  • State-run emergency shelters for people who require uninterrupted power for medical devices, refrigerated medications or specialized beds
  • Call first to determine eligibility and placement
  • Provides power support only; no medical care on-site
  • Bring a responsible adult companion and essential personal items
  • No pets allowed (service animals only)
  •  

Transportation & Access to Shelters

Greenville County Schools

Status: eLearning Day – Monday, January 26

  • All schools and office buildings will be closed
  • Instruction will take place virtually
  • All activities, including athletics and field trips, are canceled
  • This eLearning day will not need to be made up

Learn more

HOW TO BE PREPARED

Small steps can make a big difference during severe weather

Prepare your home and essentials

  • Charge phones, laptops and portable battery packs
  • Keep flashlights, blankets and warm clothing easily accessible
  • Stock essential medications, food, water and pet supplies
  • Update your contact information with your power company
  • Avoid unnecessary travel, especially during icy conditions
  • Check weather alerts and local guidance regularly

Protect pipes and heating

  • Let indoor faucets drip slightly to help prevent pipes from freezing
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
  • Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even overnight
  • Check weather alerts and local guidance regularly

If Power or Travel Is Impacted

  • Stay indoors and off the roads when conditions are unsafe
  • Use flashlights instead of candles when possible
  • Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with mobility challenges, only if it is safe to do so

Helping starts close to home

  • Check in on elderly neighbors or those with limited mobility
  • Offer help gathering supplies before roads become unsafe
  • Share trusted information and resources
  • Know when to call for assistance versus waiting for conditions to improve
  • If you see someone in immediate danger, call 911

What Not to Do

  • Do not use grills, stoves, or ovens to heat your home
  • Avoid space heaters unless they are approved and used according to safety guidelines
  • Drive unless absolutely necessary

HERE FOR YOU

During times of uncertainty, United Way of Greenville County is here to help our community navigate what comes next. Whether you need information, support, or connection to resources, we are committed to walking alongside our neighbors before, during and after severe weather.

Donations help United Way and our partners respond to immediate needs and support recovery efforts following severe weather events.

DONATE NOW

Please note!

SC211.org maintains a comprehensive, up-to-date list of resources available across the Upstate. Resource availability may change due to weather conditions, and this page will be updated regularly as new information is confirmed by our partners.

For real-time assistance and referrals, call 211, available 24/7.

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