The Salvation Army EDS and FEMA Corps team up for Preparedness Work
Thaddeus Hicks | thad_hicks@uss.salvationarmy.org
Jackson, MS (October 17, 2013) - Over 65 FEMA Corps volunteers were in Jackson, MS Thursday at the ALM Divisional EDS warehouse. FEMA Teams worked on multiple projects including debris/brush removal and food service gear preparation. In addition, all FEMA Corps folks were given the chance to tour some of ALM’s assets including the 53 foot mobile field kitchen, shower trailer, and a smaller canteen unit on loan from the Jackson, MS corps.
FEMA Corps is a relatively new program. Corps members are tasked with focusing on disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery activities, providing support in areas ranging from working directly with disaster survivors to supporting disaster recovery centers to sharing valuable disaster preparedness and mitigation information with the public. When asked why she does the work she does, team member JoJo West out of Wisconsin stated “I do it because I want to give something back.”
The recent government shutdown allowed FEMA Corps to get more creative in what they are doing in the community. While it might seem that clearing brush and washing out coolers is not disaster work, it really is. The work hours donated by FEMA Corps will save The Salvation Army enough money to provide well over 1000 meals to individuals after a disaster.
Representatives from both organizations were pleased with the work and spoke about continuing the partnership in the future.
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.