The Salvation Army Begins Transition to Recovery, Still Meeting Needs Across LA and MS

JACKSON, MS (March 14, 2016) As more and more flood survivors leave shelters and head back to their homes, The Salvation Army will be there to help them clean up what the flood waters have left behind. The Salvation Army will also continue to furnish meals to evacuees housed in shelters in Shreveport/Bossier City and Monroe and feed first-responders and those aiding in recovery and cleanup efforts.

“The canteens and volunteers are going out into the neighborhoods as officials allow residents to return to their homes,” says Major Ed Binnix, Commander.  “Assistance will include food, hydration and Salvation Army cleanup kits.  The response from the community has been tremendous for in-kind and food donations, now we are in need of monetary donations to help us meet the needs of this disaster as they arise.” 

So far, across the Alabama, Louisana, Mississippi Division since the first corps was activated, 3,109 meals have been prepared, 4,439 drinks (coffee, soda, juice, and water) served and 2,449 snacks (donates, cakes, and chips) handed out. Our personnel has worked a total of 1,347 hours since Thursday.

In another hard hit area from floodwaters, the shelter The Salvation Army support has closed. The Monroe Corps is now helping families by passing out clean up kits in the community.

“Folks are getting back to their homes and seeing just how bad the damage is,” said Captain August Pillsbury, Monroe Corps Officer. “Clean up will take weeks and months. We will be there to do everything we can to get our community through this, and your donations can make a big difference.”

400 more clean up kits are on their way to Shreveport and Monroe on Tuesday  along with more personnel heading to Shreveport from  Baton Rouge and to Monroe from Jackson.

The Greenville, Mississippi Corps received clean up kits from Salvation Army Emergency/Disaster Services Monday.  Those kits will also go to families whose homes received water damage over the last several days.

There is also the potential for a response from several other Salvation Army  Corps due to flooding along the Sabine River near Alexandria, Louisiana, the Leaf River near Hattiesburg, Mississippi,  and the Pearl River in Pearl River and Hancock Counties in Mississippi

Financial donations are the best way to support those affected by these devastating tornadoes.  Donations can be made online here or by calling 800-SAL-ARMY, by texting STORM to 51555 or by sending a check to your local Salvation Army, earmarked, Emergency Disaster Services.

While used clothing and used furniture are seldom required during disaster response, these gifts are vitally important in supporting the day-to-day work of The Salvation Army. Please consider giving these items to the local Family Store by dialing 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).

For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or follow the social feed on Twitter at @salarmyeds.

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.salvationarmyalm.org.