Assistance Continues For Those Impacted By Waldo Canyon Fire

July 07, 2012
Laine Hendricks | laine.hendricks@usw.salvationarmy.org

Assistance Continues For Those Impacted By Waldo Canyon Fire

Colorado Springs, CO (July 7, 2012):  The Salvation Army continues to offer aid to the several hundred individuals affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire, which has been burning West of Colorado Springs since June 23.  Three teams of volunteers are assisting to meet the immediate and short-term needs of fire survivors, while also addressing the needs of emergency personnel as they finish fighting the flames and prepare for possible rain-related flooding.

One Salvation Army mobile feeding unit is stationed near the Mountain Shadows neighborhood, offering fresh meals, drinks and aid to both fire evacuees and emergency personnel assisting with fire combat and relief.  In addition, this team will serve and assist 150 National Guard members assembling sandbags in preparation of possible flooding that could result from the heavy rain that is due to reach Colorado Springs today.  The Salvation Army is also staging teams and supplies in preparation for possible flooding and mudslides that could occur the areas burned by the recent fire.

A second mobile team will roam key neighborhoods where evacuees are now allowed to return, offering cold drinks, snacks, as well as care and assistance to those affected families.  Trained Emotional and Spiritual Care volunteers are a part of the team, offering care and counseling as requested by survivors.

Waldo Canyon Fire DRC - 7/6/12
Two friendly Salvation Army volunteers are on hand at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to help meet the needs of those affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, CO.

The Salvation Army is also working in cooperation with El Paso County and multiple non-profit and governmental agencies to offer assistance to all residents impacted by the Waldo Canyon Fire at a designated Disaster Response Center (DRC).  Volunteers from the Salvation Army’s Colorado Springs Social Services Department are providing financial assistance, hygiene kits and other items to those individuals who seek assistance at the center.  In addition, Salvation Army personnel are assessing other immediate and long-term needs for each family, which The Salvation Army’s Family Services Department can continue to meet after the DRC closes.  Over the past four days, roughly 250 families have been assisted at the DRC.

Since June 24, when The Salvation Army began responding to the Waldo Canyon Fire, 16,894 meals, 20,685 snacks and 44,011 bottles of water have been distributed to a mix of fire survivors, first responders, emergency and military teams, FEMA response teams, and utility workers. 

As immediate relief transitions into long-term recovery, The Salvation Army is preparing to serve not only those whose homes were damaged in the fire, but also those whose place of employment has been affected by the fire, resulting in an inability to conduct work and even layoffs.

Donations:

The best way to help fire survivors and rescue workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors. There are a variety of ways public can support The Salvation Army’s wildfire disaster relief efforts:

• Online:    Visit www.imsalvationarmy.org
• Phone:    Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY - Designate gift "Disaster Relief" or ”Wildfires”
• Mail:         Designate "Disaster Relief” or “Wildfires” on check/money order, mail to:

The Salvation Army Disaster Relief
P.O. Box 2369
Denver, CO 80201-2369

At this point, in-kind donations are not being accepted outside the disaster area.  Used clothing and used furniture are seldom required during an incident.  However, these gifts are vitally important in supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army. Please consider giving these items to your local Salvation Army Thrift Store: more information at www.SATruck.com or 1-800-SA-TRUCK.

The Salvation Army is grateful to the public for their continued support.

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 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. For more information, go to www.imsalvationarmy.org.

# # #

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

Our Mission

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Copyright 2024, The Salvation Army. 
Privacy Policy | Contact Us