With no shelter, Beaufort homeless prepare for Hurricane Idalia: ‘It’s rough out here’
Jason D. nervously watched the Beaufort River, just several feet away, continue to rise Wednesday morning. He was standing in Beaufort’s Waterfront Pavilion, where the Beaufort native lives with about a dozen other people without homes. Jason D. requested his last name not be used.
As Hurricane Idalia approached the South Carolina coast, its most vulnerable residents — those who no permanent shelter — were preparing to ride out high winds and heavy rain that the storm is predicted to produce.
Some said they had found places to squirrel away during the storm while it lashes the Lowcountry. Others seemed unconcerned and said they had no plans to leave the pavilion, which has a roof but no walls.
“It’s rough out here, you know?” said Jason, as he shares a cigarette with Zaw Myo Tun, a 56-year-old who once was a sushi chef in Beaufort.
Jason said he had found a roof-top spot in downtown Beaufort where he has canned goods and a change of clothing stashed. That’s where he plans to escape the rising waters. But it’s still outside. “I know I’m going to get wet,” he said.
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The pavilion is a gathering spot for about a dozen residents without homes but Jason says there are others “spread out all over” the area living in tents along the Spanish Moss Trail and in the vicinity of Walmart. The Pavilion is popular because it has electrical outlets and WiFi access.
“No shelters,” says Jason, “that’s something they need to work on.”
Jason had kind words for local churches and Help of Beaufort, an organization that helps out those in need, but says having a place to stay and shower would help. “Nobody likes to walk around [smelling] funky,” he said.
Sacks and backpacks of belongings sat on the ground at the pavilion as cell phones were plugged into outlets and rain pounded on the metal roof. The waterfront was mostly deserted except for those gathered in the pavilion and owners of boats making last-minute checks of their property at the nearby marina.
Jason says the pavilion group looks out for each other.
“I’m concerned,” Jason said as he watched Beaufort River. “Look how high it is already.”
Tun, the former sushi chef, wondered whether somebody would be by before Idalia arrived to see if any assistance was needed. That’s happened during dangerous weather in the past, people at the pavilion said. “I don’t know,” said Tun, when asked what he planned to do.
William Howard, 33, who was born in Beaufort, wasn’t too concerned.
“For the time being, I’ll be right here,” he said.
People who have no place to go for safety from Hurricane Idalia can go to an emergency shelter at Ridgeland School, 250 Jaguar Trail, Beaufort County said Wednesday afternoon. This shelter, operated by Jasper County Emergency Services along with support from state and local partners, can accommodate anyone who needs a safe place to stay temporarily along with their pets. The shelter opened at 10 a.m. Wednesday and will remain open for the duration of the hurricane.
For shelter information, please call 843-726-4421.
This story was originally published August 30, 2023 at 12:41 PM.
