Hendersonville, NC (October 2, 2024)–The Salvation Army’s response is expanding in North and South Carolina as roads become more accessible. Though flood waters are receding, flooding is still a problem in some areas. Debris on the roads, especially secondary roads, is making travel very difficult for both residents and service agencies trying to get in to help. Crews from the power companies are working around the clock to restore power, but almost 900,000 customers are still without in the two-state area. Many communities are facing water shortages, with either no access to water or water that is unsafe to drink.
A Snapshot of Services in the Carolinas:
Asheville, NC
The Salvation Army began roving in the Asheville and Swannanoa areas and found that there were still quite a few roads that were flooded. In other areas, debris and deep mud were making roads difficult to navigate. In several areas, the streets were one-way streets, and cars had to take turns driving down the street. The Salvation Army was able to get into several neighborhoods to feed people hot meals, give out cold drinks, and lots of hugs.
“People are hungry for something warm to fill their bellies, something cold to soothe their throats, and they want to be loved and have a dose of hope,” said Lt. Susan Garland.
Today, The Salvation Army will have five roving mobile feeding units on the road in the Asheville and Swannanoa areas.
Hendersonville, NC
The Salvation Army in Hendersonville, North Carolina has power and is serving meals two times a day at The Salvation Army. Through the meal feeding, The Salvation Army has become a community meeting space where people are encouraged to stay, enjoy a warm meal, charge their devices, and find a comfortable space to relax and as word is getting out, more people are coming to The Salvation Army for a hot meal.
Aiken, SC
The Salvation Army of Aiken, South Carolina, is feeding meals at three locations daily. Power outages are still impacting much of the area, and people are unable to cook food. The emergency shelter continues to accommodate those affected, including individuals whose homes were destroyed. Salvation Army case managers are working with residents to help them navigate a way forward.
Yesterday a group of children from The Salvation Army sang for nursing home residents who have been without power.
Boone/Watauga County, NC
Immediately after the storm passed, The Salvation Army was requested to open a temporary shelter in the mountain town of Boone, North Carolina, offering shelter, food, and drinks to people displaced by the storm while the county shelter was being established. The temporary shelter has closed, and they are currently working alongside the police and fire departments to provide support by delivering hot meals to people in the community.
Hickory, NC
The Salvation Army is serving meals at The Salvation Army of Hickory and the High Country. Though power is rapidly coming on in the community, hot meals and cold drinks are needed for residents there.
Greenwood, SC
Recognizing that power outages were preventing people from charging their phones, The Salvation Army in Greenwood, South Carolina, responded by opening as a charging station for the community.
So far, The Salvation Army has served 12,501 meals in North and South Carolina.
Disaster response is an extension of The Salvation Army’s everyday mission to meet human needs, offering compassionate care and hope in Jesus Christ during the most challenging times. In the coming days, The Salvation Army will deploy additional mobile feeding units and Emotional and Spiritual Care officers to provide meals, drinks, and desperately needed support to those affected by the storm.
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 does not apply an administrative fee to any disaster gift. If disaster donations exceed identified needs, excess funds will be restricted to support future disaster services.
