Atlanta, GA (July 14, 2011) – In April and May of 2011 tornadoes, floods, and other severe weather tore across the southern United States leaving many dead and many more homeless and hungry. In service of the survivors, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team provided immediate material, emotional, and spiritual care to thousands. As the disaster operation transitions from response into long-term recovery, The Salvation Army will continue to support relief efforts. Over the next 12 months, the Army will utilize approximately $6 million to help alleviate ongoing hardships faced by the individuals and families who lost so much.
Recovery funding will be allocated among the four (4) Salvation Army Divisions most affected by the severe storms and employed in communities in eight (8) states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Depending on local needs, funds will be utilized as direct financial assistance for survivors, to fund additional response staff positions, and for signature community projects to be determined by local community leaders and Salvation Army personnel.
“Through the provision of financial assistance, casework, and long-term community building, The Salvation Army will ensure that survivors have the tools necessary to restore their lives,” said Jeff Jellets, The Salvation Army’s Southern Territorial Disaster Coordinator. “The Salvation Army has served in the United States for more than 130 years. We were here before the storms and we will be here long after meeting needs in the local community.”
The four (4) Salvation Army divisions included in this plan are:
ALM Division (Serving Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi)
KTN Division (Serving Kentucky, Tennessee & Northwest Georgia)
GEO Division (Serving Georgia)
AOK Division (Serving Arkansas & Oklahoma)
As of July 5, 2011, The Salvation Army’s Southern Territory had raised approximately $11 million dollars for April and May tornado, flood, and severe storm relief. Following the storms, The Salvation Army committed $3 million to response efforts and has now allocated an additional $6 million to long-term recovery efforts over the next 12 months. As communities rebuild and survivors’ needs change, The Salvation Army will adjust its long-term recovery plan and allocate all remaining funds and any additional April and May 2011 storm relief funds received to help ensure that its services continue to meet people’s greatest needs.
To learn more about The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services program please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
For inquiries regarding the long-term recovery plan, please contact the appropriate party below.
Media Contacts:
ALM Division (Serving Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi)
Mark Jones
Divisional Public Relations Director
Office: 601-961-7709
Cellular: 601-278-2100
Mark_Jones@uss.salvationarmy.org
KTN Division (Serving Kentucky, Tennessee & Northwest Georgia)
Kimberly George
Divisional PIO/Director of Marketing and Development
Chattanooga, TNArea Command
Office: 423-756-1023
Cellular: 423-503-1801
Kimberly_George@uss.salvationarmy.org
GEO Division (Serving Georgia)
Valerie Johnson
Divisional Director of Public Relations
Office: 678-418-4671
Cellular: 678-735-0480
Valerie_Johnson@uss.salvationarmy.org
AOK Division (Serving Arkansas & Oklahoma)
Cindy Fuller
Divisional Marketing and Public Relations Director
Office: 405-254-1156
Cellular: 405-830-6549
Cindy_Fuller@uss.salvationarmy.org
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
About The Salvation Army