• Matt Pochily

The Salvation Army of Hampton Roads Transitions to Casework After Irene

Hampton Roads, VA (August 31, 2011)–Following Hurricane Irene’s wind and rain that left hundreds of thousands in Hampton Roads without power for days, The Salvation Army will transition from meeting immediate material, emotional, and spiritual needs to long-term emergency casework.  Trained personnel will work with families and individuals to identify and address their long-term needs as the recovery process moves forward.

 “As folks restock their refrigerators and homes, they are likely to also need help with utilities or food supplements and we’re always here for that,” said Major Lewis Reckline of The Salvation Army.

Following the touchdown of Hurricane Irene, The Salvation Army in Hampton Roads provided over 17,000 meals, drinks and snacks along with more than 250 clean-up kits.   Moving forward, The Salvation Army will assist those seeking utility assistance, food supplements and other emergency needs. 

The Salvation Army in North Carolina continues to provide an array of services to those affected by Hurricane Irene, including having served over 40,000 meals and praying with 763 people as part of its mission driven response and service.

Mobile canteens will serve the Williamsburg community on August 31 in the following locations:

-One canteen at Williamsburg Outlet Mall (6401 Richmond Rd) serving lunch only

-Two canteens roving Williamsburg serving lunch only

Families and individuals seeking assistance such as food supplements and utility assistance are encouraged to visit their local Salvation Army office.  All locations are open from 9Am to 4PM.

-Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach residents visit 5525 Raby Rd (Norfolk)

-Hampton, Newport News, Gloucester, Yorktown residents visit 1033 Big Bethel Rd (Hampton)

-Williamsburg residents visit 151 Kristiansand Dr (Williamsburg)

-Suffolk residents visit 157 West Washington St (Suffolk)

-Portsmouth residents visit 2306 Airline Blvd (Portsmouth)

Those seeking assistance from The Salvation Army appropriate disconnect notices, identification, proof of all household incomes, birth certificates and social security cards of all household members.

The best way to help survivors and relief workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors. 

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Irene to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.  Donors may also contribute $10 via their phone bill by text messaging the word STORM to 80888, and confirming the donation with the word, “Yes.”   Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief,PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301.  Please designate Hurricane 2011 on all checks. 

• A $10 donation feeds a disaster survivor for one day
• A $30 donation provides one food box, containing staple foods for a family of four, or one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and other cleaning supplies
• A $100 donation can serve snacks and drinks for 125 survivors and emergency personnel at the scene of a disaster
• A $250 donation can provide one hot meal to 100 people or keep a hydration station operational for 24 hours
• A $500 donation keeps a Salvation Army canteen (mobile feeding unit) fully operational for one day

At this point, in-kind donations are not being accepted.  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 Family Store or dial 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).

For the latest emergency disaster services news, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and follow the EDS team on Twitter @SalArmyEDS.  Interested parties may also visit SalArmyHR.org, facebook.com/salarmyhr, and follow twitter.com/salarmyhr.

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