Jackson, MS - May 18, 2011 – The Salvation Army’s Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Division is prepared to respond to areas in Louisiana and Mississippi affected by the rising waters of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya River Basins. With widespread flooding and thousands of homes affected, The Salvation Army has placed 26 disaster units on alert for possible response into affected areas once the waters recede.
“We anticipate that the bulk of needs and the major expense of flood response will occur once the waters recede over the next 2-4 weeks,” stated Bill Feist, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army has begun stocking warehouses in New Orleans and Vicksburg, Miss. with food, household items, hygiene kits, and bulk cleaning supplies for distribution to residents of flooded areas once the waters diminish and residents are allowed to return home.
Salvation Army units in Mississippi and Louisiana are also preparing to provide case workers to help families displaced from the flood waters. Case management will help identify resources that are available to flood survivors.
Additionally, Salvation Army officers and staff are prepared to provide emotional and spiritual care across the region.
“Providing the supplies to assist the clean up process and assisting families in their return home will be the major component and expense of our flood response, but the pastoral care will also be crucial to the recovery process,” added Feist.
The Salvation Army has been busy serving throughout the Southeast, including Mississippi in the aftermath of the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak.
These multiple disasters require additional resources to meet the ever-increasing demand on services. Foremost, we ask for your prayers as we serve in the multiple disasters affected areas.
If you would like to help victims of the flooding please give online at: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and mark them Flood Relief or text “GIVE” to 80888 or you can give by calling 1-800-Sal-Army.
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.
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About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing, shelter and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. For more information go to http://www.salvationarmyusa.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or send a check to your local Salvation Army earmarked for disaster relief.
About The Salvation Army