• Shelley Henderson

Working Together: Salvation Army and Partners Serve the Community

Charlotte, N.C. (October 11, 2016)—Every day The Salvation Army is at work, fulfilling its mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. We shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, provide guidance to youth, give financial assistance people in crisis, and are a church home to many. When disasters happen in communities, The Salvation Army is already there, coordinating with our partners and ready to respond.

“We are part of the solution,” said Mike Patterson, Incident Commander for the Salvation Army of the Carolinas Hurricane Matthew response. “One organization cannot do it all, but working together we can use our strengths to help people as they put their lives back together.”

Even before disaster strikes, The Salvation Army coordinates with community partners and state and local government, planning how to work together to meet the immediate needs of survivors and affirm public safety. For example, if shelter in the community is necessary after a disaster, county emergency management, the department of social services, American Red Cross, and The Salvation  Army coordinate together to meet the needs of individuals and families who are seeking refuge.

“Close collaboration with our partners is key in any disaster,” added Patterson.

Currently The Salvation Army of the Carolinas has 22 mobile feeding kitchens on the road, delivering food, drinks, and prayers to survivors of Hurricane Matthew and the flooding that has occurred in its wake. Our prayers are with the people of North and South Carolina. We are working alongside you as you rebuild and we will continue to be here, working with partners to meet the needs—physical and emotional—of the community.

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.