The Salvation Army Hurricane Response Media Room

PRESS RELEASE: The Salvation Army Goes into Galveston with Strike Team, Feeds Thousands

2008-09-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

Devastation Surprises Volunteers, Staff

Galveston, Texas (September 14, 2008) – You can’t tell where the water ends. Miles and miles of Gulf water has come into neighborhoods. Boats are scattered like tinker toys along I-45, the only thoroughfare that connects Houston to Galveston. Hurricane debris is strewn along the highways, giving the impression of sand dunes.

“The devastation is heart-wrenching,” said Captain Brett Meredith, The Salvation Army officer assigned to Texas Military Forces (Strike Team).

Captain Meredith along with two Salvation Army canteens (mobile kitchens) drove into Galveston with Texas Military Forces Saturday afternoon. The canteens were stationed at the state command center and Ball High School and fed more than 1,200 first responders and evacuees Saturday evening. In Galveston, The Salvation Army is expected to feed more than 3,000 people on Sunday.

Additional Salvation Army resources are being deployed Sunday morning to Houston and Galveston. The Salvation Army is expecting a fleet of more than 70 canteens, field kitchens and other disaster equipment to come into Texas within the next few days.

A staging area set up at Port San Antonio, the former Kelly Air Force Base, will be moved to the Houston area on Sunday (Sept 14). Juan Gomez, a disaster employee from McAllen, Tex., said he was surprised by all the devastation in Galveston.

Gomez was deployed to Peru last year for the Lima earthquake and said Hurricane Ike did comparable damage. “The buildings here are just torn apart – from the rooftops to the hinges on the door,” he said. “It’s so sad. People had warning, but it didn’t matter. Their preparation wasn’t enough.”

In the short-term aftermath of the storm, Salvation Army officers and staff will focus primarily on the immediate needs of disaster survivors and first-responders, providing food, hydration, shelter, and comfort for impacted individuals and families.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by the recent tropical cyclones to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days and will provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit (containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies). The Salvation Army currently is not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims; however, please continue supporting your local Salvation Army thrift store and the much needed programs your in-kind gifts support.

PRESS RELEASE: Salvation Army Serves Overnight in Galveston, Deploys to Houston, Beaumont and Luftkin

2008-09-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

Initial ‘Strike Team’ Surprised By Extent of Devastation

Alexandria, Va. (September 14, 2008) – Today, more than 100 Salvation Army mobile feeding units responded to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ike in Texas. Several convoys of canteens and mobile kitchens moved into the disaster zone to begin serving the millions of people who are without power in the areas around Beaumont, Galveston, Houston and Lufkin. They join a contingent of Salvation Army relief workers who served overnight in some of the most devastated areas. Since the storm began, The Salvation Army has served nearly 52.000 meals to evacuees, emergency workers and those affected by the storm.

“Our ‘strike team’ members were awed by the power of this storm and the extent of the devastation,” said Major Marshall Gesner, Greater Houston Area Commander for The Salvation Army. “Communications on the ground are difficult, there is no power, and the water system is compromised in many places. What this all means for us is a lot of hungry, thirsty people who are going to need relief for an extended period of time. We are calling on the public to help us mount a long-term response that could last several weeks or months.”

On Sunday, a convoy of six canteens, plus a 48-foot kitchen and a satellite communications trailer, left a staging area in San Antonio to set up a command post at The Salvation Army Corps in Pasadena, Tex., outside Houston. At the same time, approximately 20 response vehicles moved from Tyler into Lufkin and other points of East Texas, and many will continue into Pasadena, Galveston and Texas City. Six canteens were still moving into the area from Florida, heading to a command post being set up in Beaumont. Dozens of canteens will continue feeding at sheltering locations throughout Texas that have been serving evacuees since the operation began. The canteens will be re-deployed to the stricken region once the shelters no longer need them. Three canteens are in Cameron Parish, La., to assist residents who are now affected by a second hurricane in less than two weeks. Other vehicles from out of state will continue to be mobilized during then next several days.

The Salvation Army began staging its overall disaster response effort in San Antonio and Tyler earlier this week. For Hurricane Ike, the Army is undertaking its biggest operation of the 2008 hurricane season. Including the meals served during the past 48 hours, the Army has provided throughout the Gulf Coast nearly 1 million meals to people affected by Hurricanes Dolly, Fay, Gustav, Hanna and now, Hurricane Ike. The Army also has three other 48-foot, mobile kitchens which can serve more than 20,000 meals per day and is using new satellite communications equipment that creates local phone and Internet networks for its incident command teams. Throughout Texas, the Army is supporting the evacuation and shelter effort in at least 25 locations.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by the recent tropical cyclones to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days and will provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit (containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies). The Salvation Army currently is not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims; however, please continue giving to your local Salvation Army thrift store and the much needed programs your in-kind gifts support.

PRESS RELEASE: Salvation Army Joins "Strike Teams" to Assess Hurricane Ike Damage

2008-09-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

Mobile Feeding Units Support Texas National Guard to Provide Food, Hydration and Emotional and Spiritual Care

Alexandria, Va. (September 13, 2008) – The Salvation Army today deployed five mobile disaster response units as part of three Texas National Guard “Strike Teams” that are responding to storm-affected areas in the wake of Hurricane Ike. The Salvation Army will provide hot meals, hydration and emotional and spiritual care to military personnel, emergency responders and others affected by the storm. The three strike teams staged operations in Galveston, Lufkin and Beaumont, Tex., and will be planning for the long-term response during the next several days.

“The early indications are that this storm is the worst of the five we have already responded to in the 2008 hurricane season,” said Major Marshall Gesner, Greater Houston Area Commander for The Salvation Army. “With more than 4 million people without power, wide-spread flooding and high temperatures forecast for the area, our response will be about twice the size of our effort for Hurricane Gustav.”

As part of the operation, two Salvation Army mobile canteens units—equipped with commercial kitchen equipment—joined a caravan of nearly 35 military vehicles as they moved into Galveston. Two canteens staged an operation from Lufkin, while one is serving from Beaumont to serve recovery efforts near the Ford Arena.

The Salvation Army began staging its overall disaster response effort in San Antonio and Tyler earlier this week. In total, the Army has a fleet of more than 60 canteens on active duty for this storm. Three 48-foot, mobile kitchens are being deployed to the most affected areas. The Salvation Army also is using new satellite communications equipment that creates local phone and Internet networks for its incident command teams. Throughout Texas, the Army is supporting the evacuation and shelter effort in at least 12 locations.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by the recent tropical cyclones to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days and will provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit (containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies). The Salvation Army currently is not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims; however, please continue giving to your local Salvation Army thrift store and the much needed programs your in-kind gifts support.

PRESS RELEASE: Salvation Army Mobile Feeding Units Deployed in Preparation for Hurricane Ike While Serving Gustav

2008-09-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

Donations urgently needed for disaster response

Jackson, Miss. (September 12, 2008) The Salvation Army’s ALM Division has deployed 10 Mobile Feeding Units to Tyler, Texas in preparation for Hurricane Ike. The Salvation Army is preparing its response to the hurricane by loading its local feeding units and asking surrounding areas to send their canteens and mobile kitchens to the Texas Gulf Coast region.

“We are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” said Major Gene Hogg, Divisional Secretary for the Alabama-Mississippi-Louisiana Division of The Salvation Army.

The length of time that the canteen will stay in Texas is unknown at this time, but as always, The Salvation Army will be on-site throughout this disaster until we are no longer needed.

The Salvation Army continues to serve those affected by Hurricane Gustav in south Louisiana. Since service began on September 1, 2008, almost 500,000 meals and drinks have been served. In addition over 2,000 clean up kits have been distributed. Recovery services will continue in south Louisiana until power is restored. Currently 28 mobile feeding units are serving in Louisiana.

Salvation Army Disaster Services are funded solely by the generous donations of the American public.

Donations are urgently needed to support the ongoing relief and recovery efforts in Louisiana and to support efforts in Texas related to Hurricane Ike.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Ike to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies.

The Salvation Army is currently not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims, please forward these donations to The Salvation Army Family Store nearest you.

PRESS RELEASE: Salvation Army Supporting Shelter and Evacuation for Hurricane Ike With Meals for Thousands of Evacuees and Emergency Workers

2008-09-12T06:05:00.000-07:00

Warns Residents That Storm’s Path Threatens Major Population Center and Heightens Danger

Alexandria, Va. (September 12, 2008) – The Salvation Army today is supporting the evacuation and shelter operations ordered by the State of Texas prior to the anticipated landfall of Hurricane Ike late Friday. In anticipation of the growing storm, The Army has deployed a fleet of more than 60 mobile canteen units, along with satellite communications equipment and other materials and is preparing a disaster response operation that could rival the one it mounted for Hurricane Katrina, its largest ever. As Ike heads toward major population centers around Houston, Tex., the Army’s primary mission will be to meet the immediate needs of those affected by the storm, including emergency responders.

“A storm of this size and intensity threatening a metropolitan area presents an enormous danger,” said Major James Taylor, Texas Divisional Secretary for The Salvation Army. “Hurricane-force winds and wide-spread flooding could not only cause loss of life and property, but could displace thousands of people for an indefinite period of time. We’ll need public support to ensure a viable long-term response effort for the many people we expect will be in need.”

As part of its operation, The Salvation Army began staging personnel and resources in San Antonio and Tyler, Tex., earlier this week with everything in place by nightfall today. This positioning will allow incident response teams to attack the storm from two sides immediately after it passes. Many of the resources have been held over from the recent evacuation and response to Hurricane Gustav which struck the Gulf Coast last month. More than 100 additional canteens are on standby from surrounding states as far away as Florida and North Carolina.

On Friday in San Antonio, The Salvation Army will continue to serve meals from a large mobile kitchen and two canteens stationed at Kelly Air Force Base. The Army is serving about 600 meals at a time, including a breakfast and midnight supper. Several smaller mobile canteens units will deploy to San Antonio for staging once the storm clears the coast.

In Tyler, The Salvation Army began feeding on Thursday at the evacuee registration center. Approximately 50 bus loads of people have already arrived and more are expected today. Additional canteens from the Gustav response will be staging there, along with five Southern Baptist kitchens and a satellite communications trailer, among other materials and equipment.
In addition, several Salvation Army units in Texas have mobilized to support sheltering and feeding including:

Texarkana - sheltering and feeding
Paris – feeding
Tyler - feeding and sheltering first responders
Abilene - feeding at an American Red Cross (ARC) shelter in Marshall
Port Arthur - feeding at an ARC shelter in Nacogdoches
Lufkin - feeding at Civic Center
College Station - feeding breakfasts at ARC shelter on Texas A&M Campus
Temple - feeding at scattered sites in Bell County
Killeen - feeding at two sites in Killeen
Dallas-Ft. Worth - prepared to feed at several sites in the Metroplex beginning Friday
Kerrville - feeding in New Braunfels

As part of its disaster response operation, The Salvation Army also is pre-positioning personnel and inventories to provide those affected by the storm with:
Clean-up kits containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies
Hygiene kits
Drinking water
Shower units
First-aid supplies
Missing persons support through The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (www.satern.org) and
Emotional/spiritual care

“We are worried that this storm could be as dangerous and catastrophic as Hurricane Katrina and are preparing as such,” said Major Taylor. “At this point in the storm season, this will be a serious financial challenge, because we have been heavily taxed by Dolly, Fay, Gustav, Hanna and now Ike.”

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by the recent tropical cyclones to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days and will provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit (containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies). The Salvation Army currently is not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims; however, please continue supporting your local Salvation Army thrift store and the much needed programs your in-kind gifts support.

PRESS RELEASE: Disasters - Personal and Public

2008-09-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

Working Miracles Every Day

 BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ “This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System.” This sound can so often annoy us, especially when a favorite song is playing on the radio. This is a sound that reminds us of the delicate balance between man and nature. This is a sound for which The Salvation Army prepares.

Emergency Disaster Services is what The Salvation Army does EVERY DAY. It is most visible when we respond to the community-wide disasters that strike indiscriminately. But far more often, The Salvation Army responds to very personal disasters. Last year in Baton Rouge, The Salvation Army responded to 17,183 personal disasters.

On September 1, 2008 The Salvation Army was already in place to respond to Hurricane Gustav. The Salvation Army has been actively involved in meeting the changing needs of Greater Baton Rouge. A significant part of that disaster service is the distribution of 155,625 meals thus far.
 The Salvation Army is also distributing clean-up kits, food boxes, and providing basic social services from their thrift store from their center at 7631 Airline Highway in Baton Rouge. This distribution will take place between 9:00 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday; until either the need, or the supply is exhausted.

The Salvation Army plans extensively for disasters—large and small. Hurricanes, tornados, floods, homelessness, addictions, and hunger; The Salvation Army prepares for them all. Even as The Salvation Army continues its response to Gustav—moving into recovery efforts—there is a Salvation Army force mobilizing to respond to Ike.

“...the Emergency Broadcast System…” and “…thank you for calling The Salvation Army…” Both may be followed by an announcement of a disaster. Both are for systems that make preparations for those disasters. In times of disaster, both are followed by the steps for safety and success.

The Salvation Army in Baton Rouge is working every day to meet those disasters—large and small…public and private.

HURRICANE GUSTAV
SERVICE-AT-A-GLANCE

Service Day 10
18,255 Meals Served Today
6,752 Snacks Served Today
12,088 Drinks Served Today
155,625 Total Meals Served-To-Date
65,383 Meals Served in East Baton Rouge Parish
22,282 Meals Served in West Baton Rouge Parish
17,078 Meals Served in Livingston Parish
22,896 Meals Served in Iberville Parish
8,709 Meals Served in Ascension Parish
6,475 Meals Served in Pointe Coupee Parish
2,138 Meals Served in St. Mary's Parish
6,984 Meals Served in East Feliciana
2,680 Meals Served in West Feliciana
14,957 Total Hours Served-To-Date
18 Canteens in service in Greater Baton Rouge
Plus an additional four (4) canteens rotating for maintenance
Five (5) canteens released to Texas, staging for Ike.
3 Cooking Kitchens
Two Baptist Kitchens
One Salvation Army Kitchen
83 additional Salvation Army workers currently in Baton Rouge to serve
Plus an additional 87 staff and program participants already here

Countless lives touched in the 103 years The Salvation Army has been serving Baton Rouge

For details on canteen feeding locations or Salvation Army distribution, contact The Salvation Army at 225-355-4483.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies. The Salvation Army is currently not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims, please forward these donations to The Salvation Army Family Store nearest you.

PRESS RELEASE: New Orleans Hornets and The Salvation Army Swarm to Serve Residents of South Louisiana

2008-09-11T17:56:00.001-07:00

Over 400,000 meals have been served in Louisiana since September 1, 2008

New Orleans, La. – The New Orleans Hornets came like a swarm, pouring out of the bus one after another ready to help residents recovering from Hurricane Gustav in Terrebonne Parish. The cars lined up like ants stretching over a half a mile with residents seeking water, ice, food, and encouragement from The Salvation Army.

The New Orleans Hornets coaches, staff and players led by owner George Shinn joined The Salvation Army in Houma, Louisiana on Wednesday to serve over 10,000 hot meals and provide encouragement to those recovering from Hurricane Gustav.

Over 50 New Orleans Hornets employees, coaches and players passed out hot meal plates, gave away basketballs, and distributed clean up kits to the thousands of residents continuing to recover in Terrebonne Parish.

“The Salvation Army is a wonderful organization that reaches out to those in need, which speaks to my heart,” said Hornets Owner George Shinn. “We are proud to partner with them to provide our neighbors in Houma, Galliano and Golden Meadow food and other resources to alleviate the stress that Hurricane Gustav has caused in our home state. This is a time to unite and work together because while valuables and possessions can be replaced, the people of this region are irreplaceable.”

In addition to handing out food, Hornets owner George Shinn spent several moments greeting passengers of each car encouraging them in their recovery. Mr. Shinn also spent time speaking with children and leading them in Hornets cheers, providing a much needed diversion from Hurricane Gustav.

“What a great way to support the community, two organizations partnering to bring hope, compassion and an uplifting experience to residents of Houma and Terrebonne Parish,” said Captain Ethan Frizzell, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of New Orleans.

“Many thanks to Mr. Shinn and the Hornets organization for their support of The Salvation Army’s relief efforts in South Louisiana,” he added.

The Salvation Army has served over 400,000 meals to residents of Louisiana and Mississippi affected by Hurricane Gustav since relief services began.

PRESS RELEASE: Salvation Army Reaches Deep into the Bayous Serving Meals and Hope

2008-09-11T17:38:00.001-07:00

Houma, La. (September 11, 2008) – The Salvation Army has continued to serve in the Greater Baton Rouge Area, Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. Since service began on August 31, 2008 over 400,000 meals have been served by The Salvation Army in Louisiana and Mississippi to assist the recovery from Hurricane Gustav.

Salvation Army Clean-Up kits are also available, while they last, at The Salvation Army’s distribution point in Houma at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. Each kit includes a mop, broom, rags, cleaning supplies, and bucket.

Mobile feeding units will also be heading south towards Grand Isle, Montegut, Galliano, and Point-Aux-Chenes to bring much needed food and water to residents of rural Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.

“Our desire is to reach deep into the bayous of South Louisiana with the message that each person and family is important to The Salvation Army and that their need is out need. The best “words” we can give them is a hot meal and cold water,” said Captain Don New of The Salvation Army.

“Sometimes it is better to speak by actions rather than words, and we hope our actions have spoken over 400,000 times in Louisiana that The Salvation Army cares and is here promising to do the most good” he added.

The Salvation Army currently has mobile feeding units serving meals in Greater Baton Rouge, Terrebonne Parish, and Lafourche Parish, and Grand Isle.

PRESS RELEASE: The Salvation Army Feeding 1,200 Meals in San Antonio, TX

2008-09-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Officers, Staff and Volunteers Serving Hurricane Ike Evacuees and First Responders at Kelly Air Force Base

WHO: The Salvation Army
Captain Edward Alonzo, Incident Commander

WHAT: Interview and photo opportunities are available with uniformed Salvation Army officers, staff and volunteers who are feeding more than 1,200 meals per day to bus drivers, emergency responders and storm evacuees as they prepare for Hurricane Ike. The Salvation Army has a large mobile kitchen and two mobile canteen units on-site and is serving alongside other relief agencies. Dozens of other canteens, satellite communications equipment and other materials will be staged at this location over the next two days.

WHERE: Kelly Air Force Base

WHEN September 11 & 12, 2008
*RSVP Recommended*

BACKGROUND: Hurricane Ike is forecast to be a major category 3 storm, or larger, and is expected to strike coastal areas near Galveston late Friday night. In preparation for landfall, the State of Texas has begun emergency evacuation operations and has asked for support from The Salvation Army. Evacuations and sheltering are expected to grow dramatically in size and scope if the storm tracks toward populated areas near Houston. The Salvation Army is mobilizing emergency response resources throughout Texas and is bringing in other resources, including those which recently completed operations for Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana.

CONTACT: Amanda Sena
asena@xenophonstrategies.com
Ph: 202-289-4001

PRESS RELEASE: Into the Light

2008-09-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

As the lights come up, The Salvation Army continues to meet the needs of Greater Baton Rouge.

In the Bible and throughout history, light symbolizes the good in any given situation. In times of disaster, it is no different. Light coming on is news. It is one of the tools used to determine progress toward recovery. Light is strived for. Baton Rouge is marching into the light.

As The Salvation Army’s 25 canteens went into seven Parishes of Greater Baton Rouge, they too ‘saw the light’ in many of those communities. “It’s good to see lights on, but there is still a need for you all out here,” said Frances while in the line at The Salvation Army canteen in Addis, Louisiana. Of course, Frances is right, The Salvation Army has a long history of meeting needs in and around Baton Rouge…‘tomorrow’ will be no different.

Today, in the light and heat of Greater Baton Rouge, The Salvation Army distributed 18,029 cold drinks, 9,402 snacks, and 22,453 hot meals. “Shrimp etouffee. I never expected to get that on from one of your trucks,” said Buddy when he picked up his dinner from The Salvation Army canteen in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.

As a sense of normalcy comes back to Baton Rouge—work, school, returning friends & family, and, of course, light—The Salvation Army is doing the same. Majors Stephen & Connie Long, the commanders here in Baton Rouge are moving toward the traditional role of The Salvation Army as a leading force of change in the lives of the less fortunate.

“Canteens will continue to serve in the communities where we are needed, but we are also going to start the other phases of social services that will allow our neighbors to get back to their life.” – Major Stephen Long.

The Salvation Army will have a supply of food boxes and ‘clean-up kits’ to aid in this effort as the light continues to grow. When you look ‘behind the red shield’ of The Salvation Army, you see the inner workings that facilitate change. For many, The Salvation Army is a light, and more importantly, for some it is a path to the light.

Tomorrow as the light shines—inside and out—Salvation Army canteens will once again be in Greater Baton Rouge serving hot meals and cold drinks, with a compassionate heart.

###

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies. The Salvation Army is currently not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims, please forward these donations to The Salvation Army Family Store nearest you.

PRESS RELEASE: Salvation Army Expands Service

2008-09-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

Baton Rouge Salvation Army Meets the Every-Changing Community Need

The Salvation Army feeds everyday at their facility on Airline Highway. This service has increased significantly since Gustav.

Tomorrow, The Salvation Army will be using their thrift store to distribute clean up kits, food boxes, and other basic social services. The distribution will take place at 7361 Airline Highway in Baton Rouge. The needed materials will be distributed Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to noon—as long as supplies last.

The Salvation Army warehouse facilities have received four (4) truck loads of supplies and more is expected.

For details on canteen feeding locations or Salvation Army distribution, contact The Salvation Army at 225-355-4483.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies. The Salvation Army is currently not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims, please forward these donations to The Salvation Army Family Store nearest you.

PRESS RELEASE: Salvation Army Serving After Gustav and Preparing for Ike

2008-09-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

Even as The Salvation Army puts in long hours serving the needs of Greater Baton Rouge, the Incident Command Center is making contingency plans for The Salvation Army’s response to Hurricane Ike.

“We were here with Gustav, we are serving now, and we will be here to serve with Ike. The Salvation Army of Baton Rouge is here to meet human need in God’s name, whenever and wherever we find it.” – Major Stephen Long, Baton Rouge Commander.

SERVICE BY THE NUMBERS

Service Day Six

19,434 Meals Served Today

14,488 Snacks Served Today

20,696 Drinks Served Today

62,861 Total Meals Served-To-Date

30,558 Meals Served in East Baton Rouge Parish

6860 Meals Served in West Baton Rouge Parish

8559 Meals Served in Livingston Parish

11,017 Meals Served in Iberville Parish

2904 Meals Served in Ascension Parish

1492 Meals Served in Pointe Coupee Parish

1471 Meals Served in St. Mary's Parish

8192 Total Hours Served-To-Date

25 Canteens in service today

28 Canteens will be in service tomorrow

Plus an additional two (2) canteens rotating for maintenance

Two Cooking Kitchens

One Baptist Kitchens

One Salvation Army Kitchen

71 Salvation Army workers brought into Baton Rouge to serve

Plus an additional 87 staff and program participants already here

Countless lives touched in the 103 years The Salvation Army has been serving Baton Rouge

"800"

King Leonidas and his famed 300 Spartans pale in comparison to today’s 800. The Salvation Army learned of 823 Baton Rouge seniors whose promised hot meals failed to be delivered. Just before noon today, Lt. Jason Burns, The Salvation Army’s Liaison to the Office of Emergency Preparedness, called to tell the Incident Command team there was a need, and The Salvation Army needed to find a way to fill it in the next hour or so.

The team started to discuss how to meet an additional 800 meals, with no surplus of food, no team to serve it, and no vehicle to deliver it. As the team started ‘around the table,’ in walked the crew of the just arrived Laredo, Texas Disaster Team.

“We’re here to report in,” said a quite man. “…We’re from Laredo, and we’ve got a workhorse canteen, fully loaded to feed 700.”

“You are an answer to prayer!” Replied Major Rob Vincent, Incident Commander.

Not even twenty minutes later, the Texas canteen was in route to the senior center. They cooked a hot meal on-site for the residents…bringing comfort to some of Baton Rouge’s most cherished citizens.

Lt. Burns, a Salvation Army officer in Memphis, Tennessee, is a vital member of the Incident Command System. He is The Salvation Army representative in Baton Rouge’s OEP. In addition to keeping the city officials and other agency’s informed of what The Salvation Army is doing in its relief efforts, Lt. Burns also collects and distills vital information from the collective group. Without his efforts, it would be almost impossible accurately forecast need and resource availability.

“I’d rather be on a canteen in the communities; serving food and ministering to hurting souls, that’s where the real work is done. But, this is where I am. I want to make sure I do the best that I can.” – Lt. Jason Burns, Baton Rouge Incident Command Liaison.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies. The Salvation Army is currently not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims, please forward these donations to The Salvation Army Family Store nearest you.

PRESS RELEASE: Louisiana's First Lady Serves on Salvation Army Canteen

2008-09-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Baton Rough, LA (Sept. 7, 2008) - "I really appreciate The Salvation Army. They're always around anytime there's a need." - First Lady Jolly Jindal

Mrs. Jindal arrived at The Salvation Army's canteen in the old Winn-Dixie parking lot in Denham Springs. While she was there, she donned a Salvation Army disaster t-shirt and served meals for the second day in a row to those in that neighborhood still without power.

For more than forty minutes Mrs. Jindal gave out meals from The Salvation Army canteen; but more importantly, she gave words of support and encouragement to everyone who came through the line. She even posed for pictures with people standing in line.

"I'm so proud of the people of Louisiana," said First Lady Jindal. "I've seen people helping people, and neighborhoods helping their fellow neighborhoods. We've really pulled together as a greater community."

Major Stephen Long, Baton Rouge Commander also worked with the crew and offered prayer for those in needs and those meeting that need.

"We are honored and proud to have Mrs. Jindal standing with us. We are grateful for her support and that of her husband, Governor Jindal." - Salvation Army's Major Long

"Agencies like The Salvation Army are what make recovery possible in times of great need like this." Mrs. Jindal said.

Major Long shared with Mrs. Jindal the work and mission of The Salvation Army in this community. There are a number of programs on in this center. The residents of various housing and educational programs provided by The Salvation Army are experiencing "service leadership" in all phases of the recovery efforts. These men are making sandwiches, working on some of the 20 canteens, and doing the ‘behind the scenes' things that makes everything else possible. Mrs. Jindal shook hands and spoke with several of the men, offering her appreciation and support to each.

Even as workers and volunteers put in long hours meeting the needs of the Baton Rouge community, the Incident Command Center is making contingency plans for The Salvation Army's response to Hurricane Ike.

The Salvation Army was on the ground in Baton Rouge just after Hurricane Gustav. We started serving with nine (9) units-this afternoon we had 19 canteens meeting needs in Greater Baton Rouge. A further five (5) canteens are expected to arrive first thing tomorrow morning, and will be deployed immediately.

Each day The Salvation Army receives numerous requests to meet previously unknown needs in surrounding communities. "We are doing our best to serve the communities' needs. As additional canteens come into service with us we send them out. As communities we've served no longer need us, we move into new areas to meet those needs," said Major Don Vick.

Major Vick is serving as the Planning Chief for The Salvation Army's Baton Rouge Incident Command. Major Vick, a seasoned officer currently stationed in Knoxville, Tennessee, provides guidance in both short and long term plans for how needs are to be met.

The infusion of new canteen crews provides a renewed spirit and enthusiasm for the tiring bodies, serving long hours. Today, two (2) canteens brought six (6) fresh men to Baton Rouge, taking food and care to affected areas. Tomorrow morning, we anticipate the five canteens will refresh the ranks with an additional seventeen people.

The 20 Salvation Army canteens provided a total of 19,375 meals, 20,388 drinks, and 19,978 snacks today between the lunch and dinner shifts. Since The Salvation Army started its disaster feeding services immediately after Hurricane Gustav, more than 42,550 meals have been provided to those in need in Greater Baton Rouge.

The Salvation Army has been actively involved in the Parishes of and around Baton Rouge, including Plaquemine. In that community one of the many grateful residents scrawled a note that read: "Thank You! First Food Today."

PRESS RELEASE: The Salvation Army Combating Natural Disasters with Acts of God

2008-09-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

Emotional and Spiritual Care are integral aspects of Salvation Army Disaster Response

The Salvation Army always does its best to be prepared for any disaster headed its way. That includes getting all the supplies, staff, officers, and volunteers ready. On that team to serve victims and first responders is someone with a very special role. That role is to provide everyone, including The Salvation Army staff, with the emotional and spiritual care that they need during times of disaster.

“Disaster Relief crews don’t always take the best care of themselves during crisis. They are so concerned with taking care of victims and first responders that they forget to take care of themselves,” said Major Mel James, Emotional and Spiritual Care Officer for the Incident Command Team in New Orleans for Hurricane Gustav.

“We’ve been praying and trying to reassure the residents that things will get better. I think it is something that people needed to hear. We told them that the light at the end of the tunnel is not the light of a freight train headed your way,” said Major James.

The Salvation Army has had opportunity to pray with hundreds of people throughout the hurricane crisis, but one particularly neat opportunity was when The Salvation Army was asked to pray on a Clear Channel radio station that was simulcasting throughout the Greater New Orleans area to possibly several hundred thousand people.

One special moment was when Canteen Coordinator Captain Bill Mockabee was praying with a New Orleans resident and as he finished she asked if she could also pray for him to have strength to finish the job.

“It makes a huge difference when people go through crisis like this to know that someone cares for them, tries to understand what they are going through and wants to help them recognize the hope that we have for the city,” said Captain Ethan Frizzell.

PRESS RELEASE: The Salvatin Army Serves Special Needs Populations and Parishes Southwest of New Orleans

2008-09-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

Mass Feeding sites in Orleans, St. Bernard, and N. Jefferson Parishes ended September 6, 2008

Even as the electricity returns to the Greater New Orleans area, The Salvation Army will continue to serve the remaining special needs populations of those who continue to need help.

Mass feeding services in New Orleans and Jefferson Parishes are being scaled back to allow for the redistribution of resources to outlying communities in Plaquemines, Terrebonne, Lafourche, and St. Charles parishes still struggling to recover electricity, water, and basic services. Since feeding services began on September 2, 2008 the Salvation Army has served over 40,000 (as of 9/5) meals in the Greater New Orleans Area.

Feeding services will continue in Terrebonne, Lafourche, and Grand Isle for the foreseeable future.

With power outages in parishes southwest of New Orleans, many residents are forced to drive long distances for even a cold bottle of water or hot meal. The Salvation Army’s feeding services are being directed toward these areas in order to relieve some of the stress on residents seeking to care for their families and themselves.

The Salvation Army of Greater New Orleans will be providing meals to the New Orleans Study Center through Monday evening. This will be so that residents and staff will be able to continue their programs and recovery in a stable environment.

“Although our mass feeding programs are winding down, we recognize and are dedicated to serve those special needs populations that are particularly vulnerable after Hurricane Gustav. While we continue our regular schedule of mass feedings in the lower parishes (Terrebonne, Lafourche and Plaquemines, etc), it is these smaller groups in metro New Orleans that we continue to support,” said Captain Ethan Frizzell, New Orleans Area Commander.

The Salvation Army will be serving over 150 meals twice a day to Westminster Nursing Home in Kenner. These meals will help to provide comfort for their patients and help their staff to continue the work that needs to be done.

There are also other first responders still in the area and The Salvation Army will be feeding them at their special needs shelter on Jackson Street.

“The Salvation Army is concerned about the community and wants to be sure that it is meeting all the needs it can with the resources available to us. It is our pleasure to provide for those in need with food, hydration and prayer. While we share our community, we share the life lesson of hope through Jesus,” Captain Frizzell added.

The Salvation Army has continued to serve in Orleans, Jefferson, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St, Mary, and St. Martin Parishes. Around 36,000 meals were served to residents of New Orleans and south Louisiana on Friday by The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army currently has 32 mobile feeding units serving meals in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and areas south.

PRESS RELEASE: Hanna Weakens While Salvation Army Serves Evacuees

2008-09-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

Voluntary evacuees served and housed by the Salvation Army

Charlotte, NC. (September 6, 2008) – As Hanna bounced between a Tropical Storm and Hurricane, The Salvation Army opened an emergency shelter in Goldsboro, North Carolina, (Wayne County) where 23 voluntary evacuees found refuge. During the days of preparation and response, emergency response personnel from the Salvation Army served 10,066 meals, drinks, and snacks across the coastal counties of North and South Carolina.

The Salvation Army’s preparations across the two-state region included placing 22 of its Mobile Kitchen Units (Canteens) on STANDBY, serving response personnel at 4 County and 1 State Emergency Operation Center, and the operation of the Wayne County evacuation shelter.

Salvation Army personnel across the Carolinas were notified of a potential deployment and had begun to prepare to meet the needs of storm victims and/or evacuees on Tuesday, September 2. All Salvation Army centers along the Interstate 95 corridor through North and South Carolina were activated to STANDBY for disaster response and service.

“While many areas of the Carolinas are experiencing localized flooding and have seen minor property damage, it is a blessing that Hanna has come and gone with no loss of life”, said Captain John Leidy, Incident Commander for the Salvation Army’s Tropical Storm Hanna response team. “While we are still providing some response services’ following Tropical Storm Hanna, our attention now is focused on preparations for Hurricane Ike, ensuring the Carolinas is safeguarded, and resources are in place for supporting service to the Gulf”.

In addition to feeding, sheltering and evacuation, The Salvation Army is prepared to provide:

· Clean-up kits containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies

· Hygiene kits

· Drinking water

· Shower units

· First-aid supplies

· Missing persons support through The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (www.satern.org) and

· Emotional/spiritual care

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Hanna to visit http://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/ or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations will be used to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days and will provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit (containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies). The Salvation Army currently is not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims; however, please continue supporting your local Salvation Army thrift store and the much needed programs your in-kind gifts support.

PRESS RELEASE: Salvation Army Units Meeting Immediate Needs Following Hurricane Gustav, Seeking Donations

2008-09-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Structural Damage, Water and Power Outages Complicate Evacuee Return

Alexandria, Va. (September 3, 2008) – Salvation Army disaster response teams today responded across southern Louisiana to meet the immediate needs of emergency responders and others affected by Hurricane Gustav. Response teams are providing food and water, emotional and spiritual care and ongoing support for the sheltering and transport of those who have evacuated. Wind and water damage, downed power lines and water outages, which are expected to last for several more days, have created a significant need for food and water in those areas as responders work to repair infrastructure and get businesses re-opened. The Salvation Army is seeking donations from corporate and public donors to ensure a long-term recovery operation will continue to provide critical services for those affected by the storm.

“This storm is not over yet. The wind and water may have died down, but there are still many people who are in need,” said Major Gene Hogg, Divisional Secretary for Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. “Until the infrastructure can be restored, our canteens are some of the only sources of food and water for many people who are in these most heavily impacted areas.”

More than 20 mobile feeding units, known as canteens, and more than 80 personnel are currently serving in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and parishes in southern Louisiana. In New Orleans, canteen crews are providing food service to emergency workers at the Superdome, Union Station and the Lakeside Shopping Center, among other locations, and are awaiting the arrival of evacuees later this week.

In Houma, La., about 75 miles west of New Orleans, an incident command center has been set up to dispatch resources in that area. While most canteens are roving, many are returning to specific locations each day to serve lunch and dinner. The Army is working with local media and local governments to distribute information on feeding sites.

In Texas, The Salvation Army is supporting the safe return of evacuees to their homes. Three shelters continue to house dozens of people and food service is being provided in San Antonio and other locations.

Yesterday, Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe visited Salvation Army units and the National Guard in Fort Chaffee where thousands of evacuees are being served.

“We really need the public to respond to this tragedy to support our long-term operation,” said Major Hogg. “We just finished serving many people who were impacted by Hurricane Dolly in July, and we are still serving people in Florida who were flooded out by Hurricane Fay. Plus, we’ve got three or four other storms that are threatening the southeast. Even if they don’t cause serious damage, we must be prepared to respond.”

The Salvation Army has already served nearly 200,000 meals throughout the Gulf Coast area as a result of Hurricane Gustav and has a feeding capacity from Texas to Florida of more than 560,000 meals per day. This includes food service for evacuees, volunteers and other emergency response workers who are helping in the evacuation. The Salvation Army has more than 65mobile feeding units, four 54-foot mobile kitchens and multiple fixed feeding sites at its Corps and other outposts throughout the region. The Salvation Army also has 105 canteens on reserve should the need arise, and continues to provide assistance at multiple shelters throughout the southeastern United States.

As part of its disaster response operation, The Salvation Army also is prepared to provide:

· Clean-up kits containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies

· Hygiene kits

· Drinking water

· Shower units

· First-aid supplies

· Missing persons support through The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (www.satern.org) and

· Emotional/spiritual care

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days and will provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit (containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies). The Salvation Army currently is not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims; however, please continue supporting your local Salvation Army thrift store and the much needed programs your in-kind gifts support.

UPDATE: The Salvation Army Serving Seniors and Emergency Workers in New Orleans, LA

2008-09-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

New Orleans, LA – Canteens in Action
Five Salvation Army canteens are serving emergency workers and others in need as the city prepares to reopen for business. Shots of canteens on active duty and interviews with staff and volunteers are available. Fixed locations include:
· Superdome – Salvation Army personnel are feeding emergency workers
· Lakeside shopping center, Causeway and Veterans Blvd. – Salvation Army personnel are feeding emergency workers
· Salquimines Parish (Old Winn Dixie bldg), Bellevue Drive. – Salvation Army serving 300 people from nursing home in need of food.
Two additional canteens are roving.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Where The Salvation Army is Responding to Gustav

2008-09-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

MEDIA ADVISORY
September 2, 2009

WHERE THE SALVATION ARMY IS RESPONDING TO GUSTAV

As The Salvation Army responds to Hurricane Gustav, the following interview and video opportunities are available to media for September 2, 2008:

Baton Rouge, LA – Mobile Feeding Service/ Satellite Communications Equipment
Location: Multiple Locations in Baton, Rouge area
A convoy of Salvation Army canteens and volunteers, along with an advanced satellite communications trailer, will arrive today to serve emergency responders and those affected by the storm. Media are invited to tour a mobile feeding unit and the communication equipment and capture shots of people being served. Interviews are available with uniformed Salvation Army officers, staff and volunteers.

Tyler, TX – Disaster Response Staging Area/ Shelter
Location: Salvation Army Center of Hope, 633 N Broadway Tyler, Texas 75702.
Hundreds of Salvation Army volunteers and staff have converged on one of the state’s main staging areas. Media are invited to tour a mobile feeding unit and can capture shots of stocks and supplies, cots and other images as they deploy to the affected areas. Interviews are available with Salvation Army officers, staff and volunteers.

New Orleans, LA – Canteens in Action
Location: Five sites
Salvation Army canteens will be roaming the city serving emergency workers and others in need as the city begins to reopen for business. Shots of canteens on active duty and interviews with staff and volunteers are available.

Terrebonne, Lafourche, Assumption Parishes – Canteens in Action
Location: 10 to 12 sites
Salvation Army canteens will be roaming the three most affected Parishes, serving emergency workers and others in need. Crews will be serving meals and Salvation Army Emotional and Spiritual Care teams are also available to provide prayer and emotional support. Shots of canteens on active duty and interviews with staff and volunteers are available.

Due to the nature of disaster response operations, service areas may change quickly. Please be sure to call to confirm.

CONTACT: Amanda Sena, asena@xenophonstrategies.com, 202-812-0620

PRESS RELEASE: The Salvation Army Deploys Resources

2008-09-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Salvation Army Incident Command Team Moves into Impacted Areas

Alexandria, Va. (September 1, 2008) – The Salvation Army today transitioned from staging and evacuation support to emergency response as its incident command team for Louisiana deployed from Hattiesburg, Miss., to Hammond, La.. The move will put the leaders of the disaster response operation in proximity to the impacted areas. On Tuesday, the team is expected to do a damage assessment and set up a center of operations for the anticipated long-term recovery.

“The evacuations and preparations for Hurricane Gustav have been efficient and smooth so far,” said Major Gene Hogg, Divisional Secretary for Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. “This is a multi-state effort and we are working closely with the state and local governments to help all those in need. We are anticipating severe property damage and are hoping and praying for all those who have been affected.”

The Salvation Army has already served more than 110,000 meals throughout the Gulf Coast area as a result of Hurricane Gustav and has a feeding capacity from Texas to Florida of more than 560,000 meals per day. This includes food service for evacuees, volunteers and other emergency response workers who are helping in the evacuation. The Salvation Army has more than 100 mobile feeding units, four 54’ mobile kitchens and multiple fixed feeding sites at its Corps and other outposts throughout the region. The Salvation Army also has 70 canteens on reserve should the need arise. It is operating approximately 15 shelters throughout the southeastern United States and is providing emotional and spiritual care to those in need.

As part of its disaster response operation, The Salvation Army also is prepared to provide:
•Clean-up kits containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies
•Hygiene kits
•Drinking water
•Shower units
•First-aid supplies
•Missing persons support through The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (www.satern.org) and
•Emotional/spiritual care

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days and will provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit (containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies). The Salvation Army currently is not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims; however, please continue supporting your local Salvation Army thrift store and the much needed programs your in-kind gifts support.

###
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 128 years in the United States. Nearly 29 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Salvation Army Incident Command Moves to Hammond, La.

2008-09-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

ADVISORY - MEDIA BRIEFING
September 1, 2009

THE SALVATION ARMY DEPLOYS INCIDENT COMMAND TEAM
Emergency Response Team Rolls Out from Hattiesburg, Miss., to Hammond, La.

WHO: The Salvation Army incident command team which will lead the initial relief and recover operation in Louisiana.

WHAT: A Salvation Army convoy with emergency responders will depart Hattiesburg, Miss., moving to Hammond, La, to move closer to the impacted areas.

WHEN: Depart Hattiesburg at 4 p.m. CST; Arrive Hammond, La. at approximately 6:30 p.m.on Monday, September 1, 2008
**CALL TO CONFIRM**

WHERE: Departing Hattiesburg Corps, 5670 US Highway 49 South, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401; Arriving at Hobby Lobby Shopping Center, 2722 West Thomas, Hammond, LA 70403

BACKGROUND: Hurricane Gustav made landfall today inflicting massive damage throughout the Gulf Coast. Over the last few days, The Salvation Army has prepositioned its resources before the storm. From feeding kitchens to response vehicles, witness how The Salvation Army collects all of its resources and then redeploys them to those in need. Interviews are available with Salvation Army officers and emergency disaster services staff.

# # #

Leaving New Orleans

2008-08-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

Remaining Salvation Army personnel leaving New Orleans, MS heading northbound on I-55 to The Salvation Army's regional headquarters in Jackson, MS today. The Salvation Army will monitor the storm and is prepared to return in its aftermath to aid responders and people with food and water.

RELEASE: Served 100,000 Meals in Last 72 Hours

2008-08-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE SALVATION ARMY HAS SERVED NEARLY 100,000 MEALS IN THE LAST 72 HOURS IN PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE GUSTAV
Evacuees, volunteers, emergency response workers focus of relief efforts

Alexandria, Va. (August 31, 2008) – The Salvation Army has served nearly 100,000 meals already throughout the Gulf Coast area as a result of Hurricane Gustav. This includes food service for evacuees, volunteers and other emergency response workers who are helping in the evacuation. The Salvation Army has more than 100 mobile feeding units, two 54’ mobile kitchens and multiple fixed feeding sites at its Corps and other outposts throughout the region. The Army’s total current feeding capability from Texas to Florida is more than 560,000 meals per day.

On Sunday, The Army set up feeding sites on evacuation routes, including at the Alabama Welcome Center on Interstate 20/59. And, it provided lunch and dinner for 300 bus drivers at a site near Hattiesburg, MS. It has multiple other locations open through Texas and the surrounding states.

In addition, The Army has staging areas in Hattiesburg and Tyler, TX to support the Gulf Coast. Volunteers, staff and vehicles are converging on those locations to wait for deployment with other equipment and supplies.

The Army also has a number of shelters open throughout the region, including five shelters operating in Texas, with others potentially available.

“Right now, The Salvation Army is fulfilling its mission to serve by helping evacuees, volunteers and response workers in the Gulf Coast area who are preparing for this very dangerous storm” said Major Gene Hogg, Divisional Secretary for Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. “People need to heed the warning of the government and get out of the way of this hurricane.”

In addition to feeding, sheltering and evacuation, The Salvation Army is prepared to provide:
· Clean-up kits containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies
· Hygiene kits
· Drinking water
· Shower units
· First-aid supplies
· Missing persons support through The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (www.satern.org) and
· Emotional/spiritual care

The Salvation Army encourages all residents of areas in Gustav’s path to prepare an emergency supply kit, an evacuation plan and stay informed to all warnings and evacuation orders. Disaster response professionals recommend having a three-to-five day supply of food and water for each member of your family as well as flashlights, medication, and battery powered radio.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav to visit http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days and will provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit (containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies). The Salvation Army currently is not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims; however, please continue supporting your local Salvation Army thrift store and the much needed programs your in-kind gifts support.

###
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 128 years in the United States. Nearly 29 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/.

Fast Facts - Assistance to date

2008-08-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

Salvation Army personnel throughout the Gulf Coast have mobilized to respond to Hurricane Gustav. The Salvation Army has already begun to serve evacuees, and first responders including bus drivers and National Guard troops. It is prepared to respond immediately following potential landfall to serve the immediate needs of first responders and survivors by providing shelter, food, water, ice, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, and hygiene products.
To date:

The Salvation Army is prepared to feed 560,000 meals each day.
The Salvation Army already has served nearly 100,000 hot meals, sandwiches, snacks & drinks.
The Salvation Army has 170 Mobile Feeding Units (Canteens), 2 Field Kitchens, capable of producing 20,000 hot meals per day (each) serving or ready to deploy to the many areas affected.
The Salvation Army has stockpiled 50,000 Cleaning Kits (Broom, bucket, mop & detergent) for distribution.
The Salvation Army will minister Pastoral Care to individuals upon request.
The Salvation Army will provide social service assistance to individuals and families.
The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) is activated and ready to receive inquiries to reconnect evacuees with their loved ones.
Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers will serve in two weeks shifts before reinforcements are rotated in an ongoing basis.
The Salvation Army’s long-term recovery operation is still operating three years after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 spurred The Salvation Army’s the largest natural disaster response effort in the United States in its 128-year history.

The Salvation Army’s disaster response activities are supported entirely through the generosity of individual and organizational donations. In the early stages of a disaster such as this, the Army acts first on faith to meet the immediate needs of those affected by the storms and responses in hopes that donations will follow to fund a sustained disaster response and recovery operation.

Please note: The Salvation Army is currently unable to accept gifts-in-kind due to logistical challenges of sorting, boxing, palletizing and shipping into a disaster site. At the onset of any disaster, financial donations are key to enabling a fast and targeted emergency response. Financial donations also enable us to bolster the affected community’s local economy.

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 128 years in the United States. Nearly 29 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

# # #

Full statistical information was incomplete at the time of publication. mdh 8/31/08