Hope Conquers Exhaustion in Florida's Big Bend: The Salvation Army Continues Response to Hurricane Helene
Michelle Hartfield | michelle.hartfield@uss.salvationarmy.org
The Salvation Army continued providing meals, water, and emotional and spiritual care today to residents in Florida’s big bend. Most residents still do not have power or access to necessities. Some don’t even have a roof over their heads.
More than one family in line told Salvation Army teams about trees that had fallen through rooves. Many were planning to sleep in their car.
“I haven’t eaten since yesterday. This is such a blessing.”
“I’m still in a FEMA trailer. I feel like I was just in this line. Thank you.”
“We are just so happy to get a warm meal.”
“I’m tired, but we’re going to soldier on.”
“It’s been worse than this. We will be okay. We are just grateful to be here.”
The overwhelming refrain in the community continues to be exhaustion mixed with a form of resilience. People are tired, verging on the point of exhaustion, but banding together to take care of each other. Countless cars asked for meals for their neighbors who didn’t have transportation. The stories of communities working together amidst horrific stories serve as a reminder that hope remains.
The Salvation Army stands firm in its commitment to be a beacon of that hope. William Booth once said, “The Salvation Army is a place of hope. When every other light is extinguished, and every other star has gone down, this one gleam shines steadily and clearly out in the darkened sky: ‘If I could only get to The Salvation Army, they will do something for me.’”
Lindsey drove through a distribution line and then parked and walked back to speak about her neighbors. She lived in a beach neighborhood that was decimated by Hurricane Helene.
“We are living in a tent,” she said. “We are lucky and have a car because I had left my car at my mom’s house.” She told
In addition to residents, law enforcement officers from 148 different agencies are present in the area. Many officers stopped by feeding trucks for a warm meal and a cold water, some on foot, others on ATVS.
About The Salvation Army
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.