Houma, Louisiana (September 14, 2024) – On Saturday, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team made a significant impact in Southern Louisiana, serving over 6,000 hot meals and distributing essential water supplies to residents and utility crews affected by Hurricane Francine. The Salvation Army’s disaster response teams swiftly mobilized to provide critical relief, including hot meals, water, and emotional and spiritual support to those in need. As power is gradually restored across the affected regions, residents continue to rely on The Salvation Army for nourishment and comfort.
Deb Pasco, a local resident, shared her experience: “Even though our power came back this morning, we are still exhausted and hot from cleaning up debris and not having any air the past few days. A friend told me The Salvation Army was serving lunch in Houma, so I picked up my daughter and grandchild and we drove in to get a fresh meal without having to heat my kitchen back up.”
The support has extended beyond just the provision of meals. A local Vietnam veteran, although not in need of food, visited The Salvation Army’s service site to express his gratitude. Major Brenda Shafer had the opportunity to speak with him, offer a prayer, and share a moment of connection. Major Shafer recounted, “He prayed that God would protect him and was excited to hear The Salvation Army had come back. He asked for a picture after we prayed and said it always makes him feel good to see The Salvation Army come in to help after storms.”
The Salvation Army remains committed to supporting Louisiana communities during this challenging time, providing both practical aid and emotional support as residents recover from the impacts of Hurricane Francine.