• Shelley Henderson

Just Get to The Salvation Army – They Can Help: A Journey of Hope After Helene

Hickory, NC (October 5, 2024)--The Salvation Army Shelter of Hope in Hickory, North Carolina, serves as a refuge for individuals during life's storms. This week, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helen, it became more than just a shelter; it became a lifeline.

This week, Mary and her adult son, Mark, walked through the doors of The Salvation Army Shelter of Hope emergency shelter for help. Thirteen years prior, when Mark was only ten, they had been shelter residents, seeking refuge during a difficult time. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, they again found themselves in need of support.

The circumstances that led them to The Salvation Army were heartbreaking. Mark had to flee his home when remnants of Hurricane Helene triggered flash flooding in Western North Carolina. Moments after stepping outside his house in Black Mountain, he was confronted by rising floodwaters and watched helplessly as his home and belongings were swept away. He made it to his mother’s house, where he shared his story.

"Just get to The Salvation Army - they will be there to help," Mary told Mark.

Early the next day, they made the 45-minute drive to The Salvation Army. Mark only had the clothes on his back when they arrived.

After Mark shared his story with The Salvation Army staff, The Salvation Army’s staff sprang into action, providing clothing, food boxes, and water—anything they could do to help. The team gathered around Mary and Mark, forming a circle of support while offering prayers and encouragement.

Mary and Mark left The Salvation Army, their despair replaced with hope. The road ahead may be long and challenging, but they know they won’t face it alone.

After hearing Mark's story, The Salvation Army's staff felt a renewed sense of energy and purpose. The following day, the team was preparing to head to Boone, North Carolina, to deliver much-needed supplies to areas heavily affected by Helene, providing real help to real people when they need it most.

The Salvation Army is on the ground in communities across North and South Carolina, meeting human needs wherever we can. We were there before Helene, and we will remain in communities throughout the Carolinas until we are no longer needed. We are The SALVATION Army, here to meet human needs in the name of Jesus Christ without discrimination.

As relief efforts expand, the Salvation Army urgently needs financial contributions. Those wishing to support the disaster response can donate online at helpsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. When you support Salvation Army disaster services, 100% of your donation is applied to the disaster relief operation you select. The Salvation Army never applies an administrative fee to any disaster gift. If disaster donations exceed identified needs, excess funds will be restricted to support future disaster services.