The Salvation Army - Emergency Disaster Services - USA

The Salvation Army continues to support the communities affected by flooding in Texas. Flood waters in several areas have yet to recede and continue to impede families from entering their homes. Salvation Army mobile feeding units are supporting the affected communities with meals, hydration and relief supplies with a food box distribution planned this week. #HopeIsOnTheWay

The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division is pooling resources from across the state to help areas of Northern Michigan hit by the recent ice storm. The storm, which struck over the weekend, left tens of thousands without power, natural gas, and, in some areas, even water. In many areas, downed trees are making travel impossible, and gas is not available. #HopeIsOnTheWay

As South Texas begins the flood cleanup and recovery process, The Salvation Army is there to support residents and first responders with hot meals and have begun the distribution of cleanup and hygiene supplies. A Salvation Army cleanup kit consists of a large bucket, filled with a mop, bleach, work gloves, surface cleaner, broom, scrubbing brush and more. These essential supplies can help a homeowner begin cleaning without having to worry about where to gather everything needed. Read more: https://loom.ly/kex5p90

Residents in South Texas affected by severe flooding received essential support from Salvation Army teams this weekend. As floodwaters reached up to four feet in some homes following heavy rainfall, the Salvation Army, in collaboration with the Southern Baptist Texas Convention, has initiated feeding operations. On Saturday, the Salvation Army distributed 1,122 meals, 1,361 drinks and 960 snacks to those in need, including first responders. A new rapid response vehicle was deployed to deliver meals directly to affected individuals.

More than half a year’s rainfall fell across the South Texas region in less than two days this week with more rain in the forecast. Widespread flooding is being reported in the area with more flash floods expected today. The Salvation Army is working with local and state emergency operations to assess damage and needs. “We are placing seven mobile feeding units on alert status, and it is very likely that we will deploying equipment and personnel to South Texas over the weekend,” said Alvin Migues, Emergency Services Director for The Salvation Army in Texas. “Our teams from McAllen and Port Isabel will step into service, utilizing a brand-new Rapid Response Unit that we only delivered to Port Isabel today. We’re putting that unit and our volunteers to work right away! Our team are loading cleanup kits, water, and food supplies preparing to serve 15,000 meals.” #HopeIsOnTheWay

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services often works with other agencies to form MARCs (Multi Agency Resource Centers) to create a one stop location where survivors can get multiple needs met post disaster. One such MARC is functioning in Oklahomas after wildfires tore through the state. “The agencies want to help. Sometimes, individuals don’t know those agencies are there and how to access those resources, so this is an opportunity for those agencies to be able to come out and show individuals that they're thinking of them and how they can get those resources back to them,” said Laurie Fried, with the Salvation Army. https://loom.ly/ozUyqHQ

Salvation Army teams responded to tornados this weekend as a storm front moved through the central and southern states. In Sipsey, AL, teams distributed meal bags to impacted families. #hopeIsOnTheWay

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services program was proud to support the South Georgia Film Festival at Valdosta State University! The Army’s own Allison Hogue, Digital Media Developer for The Salvation Army Southern Territory, shared her experience as a videographer during Hurricane Helene. She discussed how these videos were captured and their significant impact — both narratively and financially — on EDS. Also in attendance were Territorial Disaster Coordinator Jeff Jellets and Territorial Training Coordinator Leon Ferraez, who engaged with festivalgoers by distributing snacks and swag from the Valdosta, GA disaster canteen. Grateful for this opportunity to share what The Salvation Army does to aid others during a disaster!

The Salvation Army conducts disaster preparedness training throughout the year. In Central Oklahoma, Salvation Army volunteers, employees and members of the Women’s Auxiliary attended “Introduction to The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services.” With the approach of tornado season, classes like this help prepare people and communities to respond when disaster strikes. #hopeIsOnTheWay https://loom.ly/Nt6Qg30

After a major brushfire broke out in South Jackson this morning, the The Salvation Army Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Division EDS team organized a response to pass out snacks, hydration, and coffee to the first responders fighting the fire. #HopeIsOnTheWay