• Sarah Schmitt

Bridges of Mercy

Lakeland, FL (October 21, 2024)- The Salvation Army continues to serve hot meals, water, ice, and provide emotional and spiritual care to those in need within the Community of Bonny Shores, Lakeland, FL. Residents of this fifty-five and older community are still reeling under the effects of Hurricane Milton. For the more than 130 residents in need of services, The Salvation Army mobile feeding unit distributed fifty-six units of water, 162 hot meals, and one hundred snacks.

 

The water has receded in inches, not feet, and still surrounds more than two thirds of the submerged homes. The words, “we want to return home" were echoed by each survivor encountered.

 

Neighbors use discarded pallets to create makeshift sidewalks to check in on one-another and get to dry ground. Neighbor helping neighbor is a recurring theme, to the point that some families have welcomed two or three people into their homes as so many cannot access their dwellings. Spouses, partners, parents, and friends are separated due to unsanitary living conditions, broken pipes, and homes without power. These homes are inaccessible even by SUVs.

 

Some people keep rubber dinghies or canoes at the front of their houses with flowers and small lawns. These are used to collect donations and supplies. Financial constraints, vacancies, no extended family, age, and a lack of willingness to leave beloved pets behind prevent residents from evacuating.

 

Unable to get back to work or having no place to work due to destroyed office supplies, limited power, the residents suffer financial setbacks compounded by physical destruction. Survivors feel powerless, dependent on help.

 

People came to the mobile feeding unit to share their stories, from "pumps not working" to "displaced kitties" to "gators in the street, and it's unsafe to walk after 5:00 PM at night, towards evening.”

 

Recalling the strife of Hurricane Milton’s aftermath there were tears and comments of heartfelt gratitude. “What mercy God has given us, it has been a few days since our last hot meal.” “God sent us angels with the Salvation Army.” “The food brought gave us a taste of comfort we haven’t had since before the storm.”

 

“God sees the storm from all sides.” Powerful insight from those who have lost so much in one of the most powerful storms to hit Florida and are thankful for life and love. Recognizing that now is the “time to set aside differences because we need to be safe and help each other.” The needs have changed to fit the circumstances. Bug sprays, mosquito nets, gloves, and cleaning kits are needed.

 

The reassurance that the Salvation Army shows up in a time of need, takes requests, listens, and prays has provided a tremendous amount of hope for those trapped but not left behind.

 

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Relief work is an opportunity to provide basic human needs to disaster survivors and first responders in the aftermath of devastating events. In times of community crisis, people frequently want to “give back” and look for ways to share their time and talents with others. If you are interested in volunteering as a day volunteer or a credentialed and trained volunteer visit: https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/register.php