VP Harris commits to 'long haul' support in Georgia for Helene recovery
ATLANTA - Vice President Kamala Harris visited Augusta on Oct. 2 to assess the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and receive a briefing on Georgia's recovery efforts. She also spoke with families impacted by the storm.
The vice president toured hard-hit areas, handed out meals, and offered words of comfort to residents grappling with the storm’s devastating aftermath.
"I was just talking with one of the members of the community and her daughter who lost her husband," Harris said, highlighting the emotional toll. "There is real pain and trauma there that has resulted from this hurricane and what has happened in terms of the aftermath of it."
She arrived at the Augusta Emergency Operations Center just after 3 p.m. where she praised the team responsible for helping the city recover.
Harris visited a Red Cross relief center, where she received a briefing on local recovery efforts. She praised workers for meeting the needs of those affected, stating, "We are here for the long haul." While distributing meals and engaging with families, Harris emphasized the importance of listening to the community. "I am now listening," she said.
"You all leave home. You leave family members who are in need of help and support," Harris told the group. "You do this work in these moments of crisis, around the clock, with an intention and with a level of care and love for community that is unmatched."
During her visit, Harris stressed the federal government’s commitment to support the region. She noted ongoing collaboration with regional leaders, including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, to ensure resources are directed where needed. "People are coming together. People are helping perfect strangers," Harris said, adding that the situation shows "the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us."
She also reached out to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to extend federal support as the region works to rebuild from the hurricane's impacts.
Hurricane Helene has claimed more than 170 lives across the Southeast. President Joe Biden, ahead of his visit to Georgia’s damaged areas on Thursday, conducted an aerial survey of the Carolinas on Wednesday, viewing toppled trees, flooded roads, and submerged homes.
Harris’ presence in Georgia and Biden’s in the Carolinas comes as both seek to demonstrate leadership in the recovery efforts. Biden will continue to tour storm-hit areas, while Harris is expected to visit North Carolina in the coming days.
Amid the hardship, residents like Augusta’s Brittany Smith expressed gratitude for Harris’ visit. "She’s a person. She’s not just a voice," Smith said, after receiving food at a distribution center and taking a photo with the vice president.
As recovery efforts continue, Biden reiterated his administration’s commitment to helping affected communities, saying, "The nation has your back."
On Monday, Harris visited FEMA headquarters, where she received an update on the ongoing effects of the hurricane and expressed gratitude to federal workers and first responders. She emphasized the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to supporting recovery efforts, stating, "We will continue to do everything we can to help you recover and to help you rebuild – no matter how long it takes."
Former President Donald Trump visited Georgia on Monday, stopping in Valdosta, where President Biden is expected to visit and tour on Thursday.