As a result of the devastating hurricane that hit the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, hundreds of evacuees were offered shelter by the City of Greenville at the Palmetto Exposition Center. The Greenville County Human Relations Commission was asked to assist in the placement of these individuals.

The first step was to collect information from the evacuees as to their desire to stay in the area permanently, their medical or special needs, and their family make-up (children, ages, etc). Gina Wong and Angie Griffin were able to place 50 persons, while providing counseling to many others.

Seven elderly persons were placed in public housing at Scott Towers. United Christian Ministries adopted 3 families and Valleybrook Outreach Baptist adopted six individuals. The rest were given temporary residence at local motels until the paperwork was completed for placement in permanent locations.

The Help In Housing Affordable Housing Database was used by the City of Greenville and FEMA to help assess available rental housing in the Greenville area.