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Gullah Geechee Chamber updates council on St. Helena initiatives and veterans-claims assistance
Summary
Marilyn Hemingway and Jindia Blunt of the Gullah Geechee Chamber described economic development work on St. Helena Island, a community center at 808 Sea Island Parkway and a Veterans Helping Veterans claims assistance program that has helped dozens of veterans secure benefits.
Marilyn Hemingway presented an update from the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce on community economic development work focused on St. Helena Island and other rural areas of Beaufort County. Hemingway highlighted work to develop a centralized community and recreation facility at 808 Sea Island Parkway on St. Helena and described partnerships with local stakeholders, nonprofits and developers to expand small-business investment and youth engagement.
Jindia Blunt described her Veterans Helping Veterans claims assistance program and said the team has been processing a notable number of claims for veterans who lack easy access to VA services in rural communities. "One of our proudest moments was helping a veteran go from a 0% rating to a 60% disability rating, resulting in a $27,000 back pay deposit and over $3,000 per month for the rest of his life," Blunt said, and added the program has assisted more than 70 veterans. Hemingway and Blunt asked the county to continue collaborating on investments that tie cultural preservation to economic opportunity.
Councilors asked whether the Chamber had met with developers and stressed transparent agenda descriptions; the presentation was informational and will be incorporated into county planning processes as appropriate.
