• Mark Jones

The Salvation Army Transitions to Isaac Recovery

Jackson, MS (September 7, 2012) - The Salvation Army has been busy serving tens of thousands throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac.  At the peak of relief service more than 26 mobile feeding teams from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas were serving in areas devastated by the natural disaster.

With approximately 4,200 homes remaining without power, plans are being drafted for the transition from the emergency relief phase to intermediate and long term recovery and care of storm victims. 

"We continue to assess the needs in the region and anticipate the bulk of our assistance will deploy once families and individuals return home," stated Major William Owens, Area Commander for The Salvation Army in New Orleans.“Our ability to provide recovery assistance and long term care are dependent upon the community’s response and generosity.”

The Salvation Army is delivering nonperishable food boxes and flood clean up kits to impacted areas as high waters recede. Each kit contains a mop, broom, bucket, cleaning and sanitizing supplies, towels, rags, and gloves.  To date over 3,362 clean up and hygiene kits have been distributed across Louisiana and Mississippi, including a delivery of 140 kits to Grand Isle, La.

With varying approaches, response teams are deploying assistance across areas of New Orleans and Baton Rouge.  From central relief locations to front door delivery of care, the organization is focused on meeting immediate need in the most devastated areas. 

Major Steve Long, Corps Officer for Baton Rouge shared, “In some instances it’s a laugh or a bottle of water.  For others, it may be more substantial with a prayer, a Bible, a hot meal, food box or clean up kit for their flooded home.”

To date, the organization has served over 71,335 hot meals and 129,545 snacks and drinks, Staff members and trained volunteers have worked 14,855 hours of service and provided over 2,600 individuals with emotional and spiritual care.

Natural disasters, like Hurricane Isaac require additional resources to meet the ever-increasing demand on services.  The most important need to continue the social services programs is monetary support to respond to needs and case management for individuals and families in need.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by this disaster to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). 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.”

For up to date information, follow The Salvation Army: Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi Division on  Twitter at www.twitter.com/salarmyalm.

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 129 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 The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

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