• Kelly Belich

The Salvation Army in Saint Augustine Brings Hope to Local Business Owners

Saint Augustine, Fla (October 11, 2016) - Hairstylist Amber Metych never thought a storm could do so much damage to her business. The owner of Local Roots Beautique, a salon near historic downtown Saint Augustine, started her small business in March. Now faced with the cleanup, she is feeling overwhelmed.

On Tuesday, she made a trip to The Salvation Army in Saint Augustine's staging area. There she picked up water and hygiene items, and a cleanup kit to begin the restoration of her local business. 

“A friend told me that The Salvation Army was giving away these cleanup kits, so I came by to pick one up,” she said. “I took one for my business and one for the business right next door to us.”

Salvation Army disaster cleanup kits are filled with a mop, sponge, gloves, bleach, mask and other items that come in handy to help residents clean their home or place of business after a flood.

Major Ron Mott, corps officer in Saint Augustine commented, “Receiving cleanup kits puts a smile on the survivors' faces knowing that this is the first step toward getting back into their home. It helps give them a sense that they are getting their lives and homes back to normal. I am glad to be a part of rebuilding homes, lives and our community."

Today is the first day cleanup kits have been distributed in Saint Augustine. As of mid-day, more than 200 have been given out to people who are dealing with significant water damage in their homes and businesses.

Metych estimates it will take her two to three weeks to reopen her salon. For now, however, she has one less thing to worry about.

“I'm so glad The Salvation Army is here helping our community," she said.

The best way to help survivors and relief workers is through financial contributions, which allow disaster responders to immediately meet the needs of disaster survivors.

• Donate Online: http://give.salvationarmyusa.org/hurricane_matthew
• Donate By Mail: The Salvation Army  PO BOX 1959  Atlanta, GA 30301 Please designate 'Hurricane Matthew' on all checks.
• Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Donate By Text: Text STORM to 51555 to receive a donation link for easy mobile giving