VALDOSTA, GA (September 3, 2023) — When disaster strikes, The Salvation Army is at its best, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to offering help and hope to those in distress, all in the name of Jesus. In the wake of Hurricane Idalia, The Salvation Army of Georgia stands as a beacon of support on the front lines. Our commited teams are wholeheartedly dedicated to nourishing, hydrating, and offering emotional and spiritual care to communities throughout South Georgia that have been profoundly impacted by Hurricane Idalia.
Major Jason Smith, Incident Commander for The Salvation Army’s Hurricane Idalia Incident Management Team in Valdosta, Georgia, affirms The Salvation Army’s dedication, saying, “The Salvation Army is here for those impacted by Hurricane Idalia. We are poised to respond proactively and serve compassionately for as long as necessary.”
With a presence in nearly every ZIP code in America, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to aid the most vulnerable, especially during times of crisis.
To address Idalia’s impact on South Georgia, The Salvation Army of Georgia has deployed ten canteens (mobile feeding units) and highly trained disaster response teams to provide meals in Brooks, Lowndes, and Lanier counties. Three additional canteens are supporting local field units, ensuring assistance at local shelters. Each canteen is capable of serving up to 1,000 meals daily.
Sgt. Austin Sturdivant, Incident Management Team Operations Chief, emphasizes the readiness of the canteens, stating, “Canteens are replenished twice daily with food and beverages, ready to serve affected areas, and they can swiftly adapt to changing conditions to assist those in need.”
The Salvation Army’s response also includes Rapid Response Units (RRUs), a critical component of Georgia’s emergency disaster response team. RRUs are designed to access areas that larger vehicles cannot, ensuring aid reaches even the most remote locations.
In addition to their relief efforts in Brooks, Lowndes, and Lanier counties, Salvation Army field personnel from Brunswick, Douglas, Savannah, St. Marys, Thomasville, and Tifton are actively supporting their local communities.
To date, The Salvation Army has provided more than 14,700 meals, 5,500 drinks, and 3,000 snacks. As of this weekend, The Salvation Army has also begun distributing much-needed clean-up kits, hygiene kits, and tarps to assist those impacted by Hurricane Idalia.
For those in the Sought Georgia impact area interested in finding The Salvation Army feeding locations, please visit the Georgia Emergency Management Association (GEMA) at https://gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-idalia.
