March 2016 - The Salvation Army: Alabama Louisiana Mississippi Division

The Salvation Army Serves Up Hope for Flood Victims in Northwest Louisiana

03/17/2016/in News /by Daphne Nabors

March 17, 2016
Pattie Odom, Public Information Officer
318-424-3200 Ext 28
Pattie.Odom@uss.salvationarmy.org

Shreveport, LA. (March 17, 2016) — As flood waters recede and many residents in Northwest Louisiana are being allowed back into their homes, The Salvation Army will be in the neighborhoods serving meals to recovery workers, first responders and residents. The Shreveport Salvation Army Canteen has been joined by a canteen from Biloxi, MS as we continue disaster service in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. It is estimated that almost 3700 homes in Caddo and Bossier Parishes have been damaged as a result of the flooding on bayous, creeks, lakes and rivers. Webster and Bienville Parishes continue to have homes and people who can only be reached by boats.

The Salvation Army has served over 5,000 meals to shelters, first responders, recovery workers and flood victims since the floods began, distributed 320 cleanup kits, 800 cases of water and 150 food boxes. Volunteers have stepped forward to help arrange hot meals, make sandwiches, prepare and deliver meals. “The Salvation Army will continue to distribute goods at the 200 E. Stoner location and through volunteers who are out in the community,” says Major Ed Binnix, Corps Commander. “We received a truck load of food boxes and clean up kits which we will be distributing in the neighborhoods and at the Forward Assistance Centers when they open.

As recovery continues, The Salvation Army canteens will be out in the neighborhoods with hydration, sandwiches, snacks and cleanup kits for victims who are in need. We will continue to feed recovery workers and first responders working in the affected neighborhoods.

Any donations are appreciated. Donations can be made online at www.SalvationArmyShreveport, on The Shreveport-Bossier Salvation Army Facebook page or on any mobile device by texting 51555 and messaging STORM. All online and mobile donations are received locally.
Disaster services from The Salvation Army are free. All people are served equally, without discrimination. Salvation Army disaster relief services are funded entirely through the generosity of donors. You can help The Salvation Army help your neighbors. Whether it’s disasters of the heart or natural disasters, The Salvation Army provides year-round services to meet human needs.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 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 The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyalm.org/shreveport.

Northwest Louisiana and The Salvation Army in Recovery Mode

03/16/2016/in News /by Daphne Nabors

March 16, 2016
Pattie Odom, Public Information Officer
318-424-3200 Ext 28
Pattie.Odom@uss.salvationarmy.org

Shreveport, LA. (March 16, 2016) — As recovery from flooding in Northwest Louisiana continues, The Salvation Army canteens will be out in the neighborhoods with hydration, sandwiches, snacks, meals and cleanup kits for citizens in need. “Many non-profit groups have stepped in to aid in “mudout” efforts, The Salvation Army will provide food for these workers as we travel through neighborhoods,” says Major Ed Binnix, Corps Commander. “We continue to coordinate our efforts with these groups as well as parish emergency officials.”

The Salvation Army will continue to deliver hot meals to the evacuee shelter at The Bossier City Civic Center as long as it is needed.

Caddo and Bossier Parishes have been declared disaster areas by FEMA.

Any donations are appreciated. Donations can be made online at www.SalvationArmyShreveport, on The Shreveport-Bossier Salvation Army Facebook page or on any mobile device by texting 51555 and messaging STORM. All online and mobile donations are received locally.

Disaster services from The Salvation Army are free. All people are served equally, without discrimination. Salvation Army disaster relief services are funded entirely through the generosity of donors. You can help The Salvation Army help your neighbors. Whether it’s disasters of the heart or natural disasters, The Salvation Army provides year-round services to meet human needs.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 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 The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyalm.org/shreveport.

Flood Waters Falling In North, Rising To The South, Salvation Army Prepared To Help Across LA And MS

03/15/2016/in News /by Daphne Nabors

March 15, 2016 – 4:32 PM EDT
Jon Kalahar
jon.kalahar@uss.salvationarmy.org

JACKSON, MS (March 15, 2016)- The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi is prepared to help residents on two fronts as flood waters fall and rise across the Division. The flood waters that brought devastation to thousands of homes and communities in Northern Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta are slowly beginning to recede, however many of the region’s rivers moving that water out of those areas are expected to overflow their banks in Southern Louisiana and Mississippi.

“We’re in recovery mode helping people clean out their homes,” said Major Ed Binnix, Northwest Salvation Army Commander.

The Shreveport and Monroe Corps received 400 clean up kits a piece Tuesday in addition to the truck load of supplies already delivered over the weekend. The Greenville, Mississippi Corps received 400 clean up kits Monday and began passing those out in the community, plus they are supporting a shelter in Washington County still open for flood survivors.

In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, The Salvation Army has served 342 meals and drinks to flood survivors and first responders from Forrest and Perry Counties since Saturday. Residents were forced from their homes by the rising flood waters along the Leaf River.

On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, The Salvation Army is ready to serve and is staying connected with county officials to respond at a moment’s notice.

“Our canteen is loaded and we are in constant contact with our local emergency management directors on the Gulf Coast. We are just waiting on the call,” said Major Gary Sturdivant, Mississippi Gulf Coast Command Officer.

In Southwest Louisiana, near Lake Charles, 1500 residents have evacuated their homes, and flood waters have closed a portion of Interstate 10 at the Louisiana-Texas state line.

“We are constantly monitoring the rising waters, and we are ready to work with local officers should we be needed for meals, shelter, and supplies,” said Lieutenant Richard Watts, Lake Charles, Louisiana Corps officer.

All total since March 10, The Salvation Army has prepared 3,694 meals, 4,885 drinks, and 3,055 snacks. Plus, 246 workers have worked a total of 1,415 hours.

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.

The Salvation Army Begins Transition To Recovery, Still Meeting Needs Across LA And MS

03/14/2016/in News /by Daphne Nabors

March 14, 2016 – 10:32 PM EDT
Jon Kalahar
jon.kalahar@uss.salvationarmy.org
(601) 941-7779

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.

The Salvation Army Activates Three More Local Corps To Help Meet The Needs Of Flood Survivors In MS And LA

03/12/2016/in News /by Daphne Nabors

March 12, 2016 – 7:13 PM EST
Jon Kalahar
jon.kalahar@uss.salvationarmy.org
(601) 941-7779

serving flood survivors JACKSON, MS (March 12, 2016) –The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi has increased the number of Salvation Army Corps serving in areas affected by flooding from five to eight because of local needs to the rising flood waters.
Two Corps located in Mississippi and one in New Orleans mobilized today to support disaster response and relief efforts in Hattiesburg (MS), Tangipahoa Parish (LA), and St. Tammany Parish (LA). The Corps are based out of McComb and Hattiesburg, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana.

The McComb (MS) Corps has served 315 snacks and 200 drinks at a shelter located at Eagle Crest Church in the town of Ticfaw, La. (Tangipahoa Parish). “Although we are based in Mississippi the parish is in our service area.” said Captain Andy Bailey, McComb Corps officer. “We are pleased with the partnership that exists in this community allowing the opportunity to provide disaster relief to citizens now and in the future.”

Relief efforts continue to be provided by the Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport and Monroe Corps in devastated areas of Louisiana. Staff and volunteers are serving meals and drinks to those who are displaced from flood waters and first responders helping keep the public safe.

The Monroe Salvation Army served 300 meals so far Saturday not to mention drinks and clean up kits, plus provided emotional and spiritual care to those who requested it.

In Shreveport, The Salvation Army opened a donation center at 200 East Stoner to accept monetary donations, but also donations of socks, cleaning supplies, diapers, packaged snacks, Gatorade, blankets, linens, and towels.

“Monetary donations are always eagerly accepted, especially in emergency situations,” said Major Ed Binnix, Shreveport Corps Commander, “The monetary donations allow us to stimulate the local economy which has been impacted by the disaster and enable us to purchase what we need when we need it.”

In Mississippi, the Greenville Corps continues to provide meals and hydration to a shelter located at the Washington County Convention Center. The Jackson MS Corps continues to provide four volunteers, and two mobile canteens to support disaster relief efforts in Monroe, Louisiana.

The Salvation Army in several other locations is also on standby due to National Weather Service concern with current river stages and the affect the flooding could have in the future.

“We are ready to respond should flooding expand to other areas,” said Terry Lightheart, Emergency/Disaster Services Director, The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi. “This is a threat that could last for several more days.”

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by these storms to please give monetarily through this link: http://give.salvationarmyusa.org/march2016floods

Salvation Army disaster services are free. All people are served equally, without discrimination.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 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 The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyalm.org.

The Salvation Army Increasing Presence And Supplies In Areas Impacted By Flood Waters

03/11/2016/in News /by Daphne Nabors

March 11, 2016 – 10:08 PM EST
Jon Kalahar
jon.kalahar@uss.salvationarmy.org
(601) 941-7779

JACKSON, MS (March 11, 2016) – The rains may have stopped, but that doesn’t mean the need for support is no longer there for residents in northern Louisiana. The Salvation Army is answering the call. Saturday morning the Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Disaster Services Division will send supplies to assist the Shreveport Corps located in northwest Louisiana. A truck of supplies supported by the Jackson Mississippi Corps will transport 1000 ready to serve meals, 300 comfort kits and 200 clean-up kits to Shreveport. These items will be distributed to local residents whose homes have been affected by flood waters.

“These supplies will allow the local Salvation Army to continue fulfilling its mission of serving the temporal and spiritual needs of those affected by this disaster.” said Terry Lightheart, Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, Emergency/Disaster Director.

In addition to supplies, a mobile canteen and 2 volunteers are being deployed to Shreveport from the New Orleans Area Command. This team will report to the local Corps on Saturday morning. The canteen and staff will support a mobile feeding mission to include serving local law enforcement and first responders manning checkpoints in the area.

“Emergency responders are vital to all disasters. We want to make sure they are taken care of in these types of situations,” said Major Ed Binnix, Northwest Louisiana Salvation Army Commander. “Mobile feeding units allow us to serve them as they serve the affected communities. These mobile units also provide support to residents who aren’t staying in shelters.”

In Monroe, Louisiana, The Salvation Army supported a local shelter and displaced residents with 150 meals and 175 drinks plus hygiene items. Officers and trained staff also provided emotional and spiritual care to 60 residents who escaped flooding.

“Although we continue to provide food, snacks and hydration to promote physical strength to those affected by this event; the emotional and spiritual care provides hope and encouragement to those who may be wondering why this is happening,” said Captain August Pillsbury, Monroe Corps officer.

The Salvation Army of Greenville, Mississippi is supporting a local shelter by providing meals, drinks, and spiritual and emotional care. Three hundred clean-up kits will also be delivered to the Greenville Corps Monday.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by these storms to please give monetarily through this link: http://give.salvationarmyusa.org/march2016floods

Salvation Army disaster services are free. All people are served equally, without discrimination.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 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 The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyalm.org.

Food, Drinks & Clean-Up Supplies In Route To Monroe, LA, To Aid Flood Survivors

03/11/2016/in News /by Daphne Nabors

March 11, 2016 – 10:13 AM EST
Jon Kalahar
jon.kalahar@uss.salvationarmy.org

JACKSON, MS (March 11, 2016) – With rain continuing Friday across most of Louisiana and Mississippi, The Salvation Army’s Emergency/Disaster Services is sending extra supplies into one area already hit the hardest by the torrential rain and rising flood waters.

Staff and supplies from The Jackson, Mississippi Corps have been deployed to Monroe, Louisiana to assist with shelter and mobile feeding operations. The arriving supplies includes 3000 meals, two pallets of clean up kits, not to mention water and other essential items. Support also includes six staff members and volunteers, one mobile canteen, and one supply truck.

Monroe Corps officer, Captain August Pillsbury says this is what The Salvation Army does, one neighbor helping another.

“This is how we are able to do the most good in such unfortunate circumstances,” said Captain Pillsbury. “Our local folks need help through this flooding, we want to provide that as best we can. In this situation, we needed more supplies and the Jackson Corps was more than willing to lend a hand.”

Emergency/Disaster Services Director, Terry Lightheart, says The Salvation Army is continuing to monitor how much rain is expected across the area and will distribute supplies where they are needed most. She says most local Salvation Army Corps in the Division are on standby to respond to their own community’s needs or to help elsewhere if needed.

“First, we know food and hydration will be most important, not only for residents but for first responders helping folks escape the flood waters,” said Lightheart. “Then we want to help people recover and get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible, so we will make clean up kits available. But what is so unique about our response in these situations is our officers are also ordained ministers and can give spiritual and emotional care as well.”