• Christopher McGown

Deployed To Houston For Hurricane Harvey Relief

Louisville, Kentucky — “Others” has been the rallying cry and focal point for The Salvation Army since its inception more than 150 years ago…and never is it better displayed than in times of disaster.

Specialized equipment and trained personnel from across the states of Kentucky and Tennessee mustered in Memphis to travel together into the relief effort after Hurricane Harvey caused widespread destruction and historic flooding.

“The Salvation Army has a long history of serving in disasters, from localized tornadoes or flooding to long-term responses after 9/11 and Katrina.  We have always been where the need is, and there is clearly a need from Harvey’s devastation,” said Major Jim Arrowood, the Divisional Commander (leader) for the Kentucky/Tennessee Division of The Salvation Army.

Working closely with local, county, state, and federal officials, Salvation Army personnel ensure resources and services are focused where needed most.   Pulling from a network of strategically placed equipment and a host of trained responders, The Salvation Army is able to respond effectively and efficiently in times of disaster. 

Even as the canteens and personnel were on the road toward Texas, we weren’t certain of their exact destination.   “The situation is changing literally hour-by-hour; water recedes in one area while still rising in another,” said Bo Sells, the Disaster Services Coordinator for Kentucky and Tennessee.    Weaving through the state -- around road closures and through security – the much-needed resources arrived in Houston; already at work serving survivors in the northeastern part of the city.

Representatives from Salvation Army commands in both Kentucky and Tennessee made up this initial contingent:  Kentucky—Madisonville (1), Henderson (1), Frankfort (1), Danville (1), Paducah (1), and Ashland (1); Tennessee –Memphis (2), Jackson (1), Nashville (2), Murfreesboro (1), Chattanooga (2), and Bristol (1).   This group of trained staff accompanied and manned equipment from:  Frankfort, KY; Danville, KY; Hazard, KY; Clarksville, TN; Memphis, TN; and Nashville, TN.

Financial donations are the best way to meet the evolving needs and to support relief efforts.  The Salvation Army asks those who want to help the individuals and families affected by disaster to visit www.HelpSalvationArmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate “Hurricane Harvey.”  Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted.