Salvation Army Canteens Remain An Ever Present Help For Residents

Jackson, MS - Five days after the storms roared through Mississippi and Alabama, The Salvation Army’s Disaster response continues as  clean up and recovery swing into high gear.

Sifting through the rubble, many residents are finding hope in the warm meals, drinks, and encouragement provided by The Salvation Army.  Across Alabama and Mississippi, The Salvation Army is an important connection to cold water, a hot meal, and emotional support for many survivors.

Pratt City resident Connie Pulam, remains vigilant in her desire to rebuild, but also understands the patience and positive attitude required in the recovery process.

"I may be houseless, but I am not homeless as long as I have my head to lay somewhere, I am alive,” she said Monday while sifting through the splinters and rubble that was once her house.

She and her husband were able to get out of the house just before the tornado hit.

"Something told me, I imagine the Holy Spirit, to get out of there, so we got in the car and took off."

They were able to get a safe distance before everything was gone.

Upon returning, they found the broken pieces of their physical belongings, but a hope only found in faith. Undergirding that faith is The Salvation Army’s presence in Pratt City and the across Alabama.

 "Now we are just happy to see the help coming, The Salvation Army has been great in this area," she said.

 The Salvation Army has had two canteens in the area since the tornado hit. Residents in Pratt City and all other areas affected have had access to water, food and counseling.

"It is a blessing to have The Salvation Army here, it is just a comfort to know they care."

Currently, thirty-eight feeding units and one shower trailer are actively serving in Mississippi and Alabama. Since relief work began over 65,000 hot meals and 130,000 drinks have been served and countless more prayerfully encouraged in their journey towards recovery.

Currently, EDS personnel are providing food, beverages, and emotional/spiritual care to storm victims in Alabama and Mississippi. Thousands were served on Friday. Additional resources, such as clean-up kits, are being made available as needed in a number of areas. The Salvation Army has also deployed a four stall mobile shower trailer to Smithville, MS.

Below are the canteen operations for Alabama and Mississippi for 5/3/2011. 

 Additionally, The Salvation Army is preparing contingency plans to respond to potential severe flooding along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

If you would like to help victims of the tornadoes and storms please give online to: www.salvationarmyusa.org and mark them for April 2011 Tornado Outbreak or text “GIVE” to 80888 or you can give by calling 1-800-Sal-Army.

For up to date information, please follow us on Twitter at www.twwtter.com/salarmyalm.

Financial donations are needed to support disaster relief efforts.  The Salvation Army asks those who want to help to visit www.salvationarmyusa.orgor call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate April 2011 Tornado Outbreak.  Donors may text “GIVE” to 80888.  Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, GA 30384-0339.  Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by disaster.