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The Salvation Army Prepares for Earl Notifying Personnel and Checking Equipment

(August 31, 2010) In preparation for Hurricane Earl to hit Puerto Rico, The Salvation Army mobilized and had staff on high alert to respond. Fortunately, the storm did not inflict major damage to communities on the island. Additional rains are expected tonight and the needs will be assessed again if there is damage from major flooding.

Now that Hurricane Earl is moving toward the East Coast, Salvation Army personnel from coastal North Carolina to Maine are reviewing local response plans and procedures for the potential of localized deployment to impacted communities.

"Our focus at this time is to be prepared locally with a plan, personnel and resources so that our local Salvation Army Corps can provide assistance as required or requested in coordination with county and state emergency management officials", said Mike Patterson, Emergency Disaster Services Director for the North & South Carolina Division.

The Salvation Army, up and down the East Coast, is coordinating with state and local emergency management offices.

The Salvation Army encourages all residents in Earl’s potential path to prepare an emergency supply kit, an evacuation plan and to stay informed of all warnings and potential protective actions.

The Salvation Army is closely monitoring the path of Earl, as well as Fiona, and is ready to mobilize and serve as necessary. Just as in Puerto Rico, The Salvation Army in the U.S. is prepared to assess the need and serve people in any areas that may be affected by either hurricane.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Earl to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations will be used to meet immediate needs. 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.

Five Years After Katrina
The Salvation Army Continues Commitment to Gulf Coast Region by Building Resilient Communities
New Orleans, La. (August 23,2010) Since the start of the disaster recovery, The Salvation Army has been an integral part of the disaster-relief effort, extending help and assistance to over 2.6 million people affected by Hurricane Katrina. In 2006, The Salvation Army Alabama - Louisiana - Mississippi Division Headquarters launched a Community Recovery Plan for Louisiana and Mississippi, with the objectives of building community capacity, sustaining affordability, ensuring quality of life and improving community resilience.

• Project One – The Army established eight Major Distribution Centers along the Gulf Coast where pre-registered Salvation Army clients could go to shop for free donated in-kind goods such as furniture and large appliances. Over 106,100 families received assistance from Distribution Centers.

• Project Two – The Army provided emergency relief at Disaster Assistance Centers, which served as the information hub for clients as well as distribution points for food and clothing. At the centers, clients met with trained caseworkers to register for Salvation Army services, including cash gift card distribution. The Army opened 265,100 cases representing over 828,000 individuals.

• Project Three - Army representatives participated in long-term community recovery efforts, meetings and committees throughout the region. Discretionary funds were allocated for use on programs that broadly benefit disaster victims within a community, such as buying tools for rebuild teams or purchasing a generator for a key community facility. The Army supported 2,412 community projects valued at over $5.5 million.

• Project Four – The Army helped fund and supply professional housing rebuild teams from other relief organizations and created volunteer villages that offered housing to relief workers. As part of the project, The Army transitioned two key warehouse facilities in La Place, LA and Biloxi, MS, to become reconstruction supply facilities and tool banks for recognized rebuild groups. Over 8,000 individuals resided at the volunteer villages representing over 56,000 nights of lodging for recovery teams. Over 84,000 cases helping 350,200 people with repair, rebuilding, furnishings and supplies.

• Project Five – Over 2,200 homeownership partner grants were distributed evenly to Louisiana and Mississippi. The Army worked with partner organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, to provide financial resources for the purchase of new homes.

• Project Six – The Army allocated resources to help at least 5,000 people who became unemployed as a result of the hurricanes to receive job training and re-employment services, in cooperation with partner organizations.

The Salvation Army continues to make investments in the long-term viability and resilience of communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

•New Orleans, LA: The Salvation Army, with local partners, is currently developing 125 new, energy efficient and affordable homes, and renovating 125 more with green building standards in New Orleans and surrounding areas as part of its EnviRENEW program.

• The Salvation Army is also working to improve attendance rates at area middle and high schools through the Emerge program. Results so far are encouraging with 19 of the 21 local Emerge schools averaging 92 percent-plus attendance.

• Mobile, AL: Late last month, The Salvation Army opened a new shelter for women and children on the site of a shelter destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

• Bilox, MS: The Salvation Army has begun construction on a 52,000 square foot Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in an area devastated following Hurricane Katrina. The $16 million center will feature a water park, a fitness center and performing arts space.

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services provides a unique opportunity to utilize your talents and skills in a volunteer position to help those whose lives have been affected by a disaster.

The many varied opportunities, pleasant work environment and flexible hours offer a chance for you to make a difference not only in your community but the world at large.

Why not consider joining our team and help us fulfill our promise of Doing The Most Good!

There are many ways you can become involved in serving your community through our Emergency Disaster Services volunteer program. No effective disaster relief operation can operate without the efforts of many dedicated volunteers.

Create your own account to apply for the opportunity that is right for you.