• Mark Jones

Alabama Recovery Work Continues To Connect Hope and Opportunity

Tuscaloosa, Ala. (April 25, 2012) The April 2011 storms that roared across much of Mississippi and Alabama leaving in its trail unprecedented damage and despair was The Salvation Army’s largest response to a natural disaster since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Fifty four feeding units and one 53’ field kitchen responded immediately to serve survivors and responders. Over $850,000 was utilized to support the initial relief efforts.

During the early days of recovery, The Salvation Army provided material, emotional and spiritual care to thousands of Alabama and Mississippi residents including:

• 261, 837 meals
• 4.1 million Cold Drinks
• 274, 879 Snacks
• 107,033 hours of service
• 5,500 Clean-up Kits
• 12,644 Persons with Spiritual Care
• 11, 957 Persons with Financial Assistance Vouchers

As rebuilding continues across Alabama and Mississippi, so does The Salvation Army's presence and commitment to the residents of our state.

After the storms, The Salvation Army allocated approximately $3.5 million to help alleviate ongoing hardships faced by the individuals and families in Alabama and Mississippi. to help alleviate ongoing hardships faced by the individuals and families who lost so much. In partnership with Long Term Recovery Committees in 13 communities, Salvation Army staff is working to connect applicants to available assistance through the various agencies and Long-term Recovery Committees partnering to build stronger communities. The Salvation Army is committed to Doing the Most good for all residents as we rebuild together. Assistance from The Salvation Army in connection with public and private dollars are utilized to restore hope to families struggling to recover.

Currently, The Salvation Army is providing long term recovery assistance in the following manner:

Community capacity.  $1 million has been allocated for signature community projects that help rebuild community capacity. Funds may be allocated to support the rebuilding of parks, community centers, and other projects identified by community leaders, long term recovery committees, and The Salvation Army.

Disaster Social Services: The Salvation Army is providing direct financial assistance to survivors through trained case workers. This assistance is provided for essential living supplies, emergency household needs and rebuilding supplies. Case workers also work to connect survivors to other available funds to facilitate an expedited recovery.

Distribution centers: The Salvation Army continues to operate distribution centers for survivors in affected areas. Food boxes, donated furniture, clothing, and other recovery items are available though these warehouses. In conjunction with the Disaster Social Services, The Salvation Army is working to alleviate many of the added financial burdens associated with disaster relief and recovery.

To date, of the original $3.5 million obligated for long-term recover, $2.1 million has been spent on client assistance, reconstruction, and related support. To date, The Salvation Army has assisted 12,560 households.  The Salvation long-term recovery operation remains open and will continue at least through the end of this year.  Survivors still needing recovery assistance can apply at any of these Salvation Army disaster recovery locations listed within this media release.

Because of this, The Salvation Army expects the program to extend to the end of the year, with additional allocation of $1.4 million. These funds will be utilized to fill in the gaps where private and public funds prove insufficient for recovery.

View Online Report

The Salvation Army is currently providing disaster assistance 10 locations in Alabama. Residents in need of assistance may contact the following locations for assistance:

NW AL Resource Center
200 Indies St., Hackleburg, AL
Serving: Franklin and Marion Counties
The Salvation Army Decatur, AL
114 14th Street SW
(256) 353 2822

Serving: Limestone and Lawrence Counties
The Salvation Army Huntsville, AL
2114 Oakwood Avenue
(256) 536-5576
 

Serving: Madison County
Jackson County Alabama Service Center
1501 E. Willow Street, Scottsboro, AL

Serving: Jackson County
Dekalb County Service Center
450 N. Gault, Ave, Fort Payne, AL.

Serving: Dekalb County
Marshall County Service Center
1336 Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, AL

Serving: Marshall and Cullman Counties
Walker County Service Center
207 E. 20th Street, Jasper, AL

Serving: Walker County
The Salvation Army Anniston, AL
420 Noble Street
(256) 236-5343

Serving: Calhoun County
The Salvation Army Birmingham Area Command
2130 11th Avenue North
(205) 328-5656

Serving: Jefferson County
Tuscaloosa Salvation Army Recovery Center
2005 32nd Street
Northport, Alabama 35476
Call:  205-561-6463

Serving: Tuscaloosa, Bibb, Hale, Greene, Sumter, Pickens, Lamar and Fayette counties

For a more detailed report of ongoing recovery work or for more information about Salvation Army Disaster relief or to donate, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

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About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing, shelter and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. For more information go to http://www.salvationarmyusa.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or send a check to your local Salvation Army earmarked for disaster relief.