Community Unites in Myrtle Beach as Evacuees Seek Shelter Amid Hurricane Devastation

Community Comes Together in Myrtle Beach Amid Hurricane Chaos

MYRTLE BEACH, SC – What a wild time it’s been for our neck of the woods, right? With Hurricanes Helene and Milton battering parts of the southeast, thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes, seeking safety and solace. The good news? Our very own Vacation Myrtle Beach hotel group is stepping up to help. They’re offering incredible deals at three of their Ocean Boulevard resorts for folks in need – making it a perfect haven for those affected.

Evacuation Struggles

Kendra Bee, a brave evacuee from Asheville, shared her recent experience with us, “I don’t think people are realizing how bad it is.” After Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on her community, she initially tried to stick it out, helping her neighbors and friends. But eventually, the pressure was too much to bear. “For me, I didn’t want to leave, I had to leave. For one, it takes a toll, and I think everyone can relate to that feeling of being in a war zone; you can’t turn it off.”

With two small kids in tow, Kendra noticed that staying in Asheville was starting to take a toll on their health. “We were starting to get sick, just from everything that was going on, like mold and all the other nastiness.” It’s a real struggle, and her story mirrors what many others are experiencing across the southeast.

A Safe Harbor

At last count, around four hundred evacuees found themselves at popular resorts like Crown Reef Resort, Captain’s Quarters Resort, and Hotel Blue. It’s heartwarming to see the local community and businesses rallying behind those in distress. “When we saw what was happening with Helene in Asheville – we’ve never been through anything like that, and we certainly can empathize when people are affected by storms,” said Matt Klugman, the Chief Operating Officer at Vacation Myrtle Beach. He mentioned, “People’s whole lives have been turned upside down – we’ve had folks show up with just clothes on their back to check in.”

It’s truly a challenge, but it’s incredibly reassuring to see our local businesses do their part during these tough times. Originally, the hotel group planned to extend their offer for just three weeks. However, with Hurricane Milton making landfall in Florida, they’ve decided to stretch that timeframe indefinitely, making sure to provide as much support as possible.

The Long Road Ahead

According to Kendra, this recovery won’t be a short journey. “This isn’t a two-week fix, this isn’t a month fix, this is years…and some areas probably won’t exist like they did before. So we’ll kind of travel back and forth, and this will be like our second home for a second.” It’s a testament to her resilience and determination and a reality check for many of us who will need to step up and support each other as we move forward.

Affordable Rates for Evacuees

Worried about costs? Crown Reef Resort is offering rates starting at $49 a night, while Captain’s Quarters Resort and Hotel Blue are even cheaper, at $39 a night. It’s definitely a manageable option for those looking for a place to stay while they navigate through this unexpected mess. Just remember, evacuees need to show proof of being from one of the impacted areas to take advantage of these deals.

As we hold each other up during this turbulent time, Myrtle Beach proves itself to be a resilient community. Let’s keep our neighbors in mind and help those who might feel a little lost right now. It’s in times like these that we see the true spirit of our coastal town shine bright.