Lynchburg Center of Hope Shelters Flood Evacuees
Karen Yoho | karen.yoho@uss.salvationarmy.org | (202) 577-3143
Heavy rains in recent days, along with added precipitation on Thursday, resulted in flooding throughout Lynchburg, Virginia. Local officials had particular concerns on the stability of the dam at College Lake, leading to the evacuation of 124 residences. In addition to a shelter set up at a local high school, residents of the Sandusky Apartments were evacuated to The Salvation Army Center of Hope in Lynchburg. Once they arrived they were able to contact family and friends to find lodging, but two families did stay the night.
Lynchburg is under a continuing flash flood warning and the dam is being monitored since nearby creeks may rise several feet with heavy currents. Local news outlets were reporting that the National Weather Service officials warned that if a complete dam failure occurs, "the water depth in Lynchburg could exceed 17 feet in seven minutes." Forecasts call for additional rain, so The Salvation Army in Lynchburg is there to assist as the need arises. The Salvation Army Center of Hope serves neighbors in Lynchburg, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell and Nelson counties.
About The Salvation ArmyThe 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.