• Matt Pochily

The Salvation Army of Virginia-North Carolina Begins Irene Related Response Work

Hampton Roads, VA (August 27, 2011) – The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (“EDS”) in Virginia and North Carolina has begun its work in response to the early effects of Hurricane Irene.

Throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, Salvation Army officers and resources have been deployed from Washington, D.C., central Virginia and the western part of the Commonwealth to assist the Hampton Roads region with its response to Irene’s touchdown.  In North Carolina, Salvation Army officers and resources have been dispatched from across the state, staged west of the I-95 corridor in preparation for response along the North Carolina coast.

Upon moving their men’s shelter from the low-lying area in downtown Norfolk to higher ground at the Norfolk Corps Community Center, The Salvation Army provided shelter for a total of 87 men and women on the evening of Friday, August 26.  By midday Saturday The Salvation Army has served a total of 257 meals out of the emergency shelter.

On Friday, August 26, Salvation Army National Command Commissioner William Roberts declared Irene a national disaster.  This declaration allows resources and assets from Salvation Army offices across the United States to be coordinated and deployed to provide services at the point of greatest need. 

Upon Irene touching down and passing through the Hampton Roads region, The Salvation Army will work with local municipalities and other organizations to dispatch its 4 mobile canteens the accessible areas of greatest need.

Additional Army resources are being held outside of anticipated affected areas to respond in northern and central Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. 

For more information on The Salvation Army’s preparation, suggested supplies, planning and response to Hurricane Irene, please visit http://www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org,  http://www.facebook.com/salarmyhr or http://twitter.com/salarmyhr. Text IRENE to 27138 for mobile updates and safety tips from The Salvation Army.