The Salvation Army Pledges $6 Million for Long-Term Tornado Recovery in the Southern U.S.

Atlanta, GA (July 14, 2011) – In April and May of 2011 tornadoes, floods, and other severe weather tore across the southern United States leaving many dead and many more homeless and hungry.  In service of the survivors, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team provided immediate material, emotional, and spiritual care to thousands.  As the disaster operation transitions from response into long-term recovery, The Salvation Army will continue to support relief efforts.  Over the next 12 months, the Army will utilize approximately $6 million to help alleviate ongoing hardships faced by the individuals and families who lost so much.

Recovery funding will be allocated among the four (4) Salvation Army Divisions most affected by the severe storms and employed in communities in eight (8) states:  Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.  Depending on local needs, funds will be utilized as direct financial assistance for survivors, to fund additional response staff positions, and for signature community projects to be determined by local community leaders and Salvation Army personnel.

“Through the provision of financial assistance, casework, and long-term community building, The Salvation Army will ensure that survivors have the tools necessary to restore their lives,” said Jeff Jellets, The Salvation Army’s Southern Territorial Disaster Coordinator.  “The Salvation Army has served in the United States for more than 130 years.  We were here before the storms and we will be here long after meeting needs in the local community.”

The four (4) Salvation Army divisions included in this plan are:

ALM Division (Serving Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi)

• Total Allocation: $3.25 Million
• $2.25 million for direct disaster recovery assistance
• $1 million for community projects

KTN Division (Serving Kentucky, Tennessee & Northwest Georgia)

• Total Allocation: $1.5 Million
• $1 million for direct disaster recovery assistance
• $500,000 for community projects

GEO Division (Serving Georgia)

• Total Allocation: $1 Million
• $750,000 for direct disaster recovery assistance
• $250,000 for community projects

AOK Division (Serving Arkansas & Oklahoma)

• Total Allocation: $250,000
• $250,000 for direct disaster recovery assistance

As of July 5, 2011, The Salvation Army’s Southern Territory had raised approximately $11 million dollars for April and May tornado, flood, and severe storm relief.  Following the storms, The Salvation Army committed $3 million to response efforts and has now allocated an additional $6 million to long-term recovery efforts over the next 12 months.  As communities rebuild and survivors’ needs change, The Salvation Army will adjust its long-term recovery plan and allocate all remaining funds and any additional April and May 2011 storm relief funds received to help ensure that its services continue to meet people’s greatest needs.

To learn more about The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services program please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

For inquiries regarding the long-term recovery plan, please contact the appropriate party below. 

 

Media Contacts:

 

ALM Division (Serving Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi)

Mark Jones

Divisional Public Relations Director

Office:  601-961-7709

Cellular:  601-278-2100

Mark_Jones@uss.salvationarmy.org

 

KTN Division (Serving Kentucky, Tennessee & Northwest Georgia)

Kimberly George

Divisional PIO/Director of Marketing and Development

Chattanooga, TNArea Command

Office:  423-756-1023

Cellular: 423-503-1801

Kimberly_George@uss.salvationarmy.org

 

GEO Division (Serving Georgia)

Valerie Johnson

Divisional Director of Public Relations

Office:  678-418-4671

Cellular:  678-735-0480

Valerie_Johnson@uss.salvationarmy.org

 

AOK Division (Serving Arkansas & Oklahoma)

Cindy Fuller

Divisional Marketing and Public Relations Director

Office:  405-254-1156

Cellular:  405-830-6549

Cindy_Fuller@uss.salvationarmy.org

 

 

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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 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. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.  For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.