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Gulf Coast Salvation Army Units Responding To Needs After Hurricane Zeta

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Jackson, MS (October 29, 2020) — Hurricane Zeta tore through the storm-weary Gulf Coast last night, leaving millions without power in its wake. Salvation Army personnel are working closely with state and local emergency management officials to assess and meet needs throughout the affected areas. The Salvation Army Mississippi Gulf Coast Area Command is responding to local needs by serving hot meals tonight from their canteen (mobile feeding unit) at the Gulfport Salvation Army Family Store. The Salvation Army in Jackson County, MS, will be serving in conjunction with their local Sheriff’s office. The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama is serving meals this evening in Citronelle, AL.

“The Salvation Army is thankful for the chance to serve those in need in cooperation with local authorities. We are blessed with such a helping and supportive community where we can share the challenge of meeting human needs,” said Major Bradley Caldwell, Salvation Army MS Gulf Coast Area Commander.

The Salvation Army will sustain ongoing communication with emergency management officials regarding ongoing needs throughout the recovery period following hurricane Zeta.

Donations to support the disaster relief work of The Salvation Army can be made at www.helpsalvationarmy.org, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

For the latest information on The Salvation Army’s response to Hurricane Zeta and other 2020 hurricanes, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmy.org.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 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.

The Salvation Army Stands Ready To Respond To Hurricane Zeta

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Jackson, MS (10/28/2020) —The Salvation Army Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi (ALM) Division is monitoring the storm and preparing for a rapid local response to Hurricane Zeta as needed, with 19 mobile feeding units on standby throughout the division. After strengthening throughout the day, Hurricane Zeta is expected to make landfall along the southeastern Louisiana coast on Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The New Orleans area has had more than its share of hurricane threats in this extra busy hurricane season, but until now has managed to avoid each one. It looks like that is changing now, with Zeta poised to make landfall very near The Crescent City. “The Salvation Army is prepared and stands ready to serve our New Orleans community and surrounding areas as needed in the wake of Hurricane Zeta,” said Major Christopher Thornhill, Area Commander for the New Orleans Salvation Army.

Donations to support the disaster relief work of The Salvation Army can be made at www.helpsalvationarmy.org, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

For the latest information on The Salvation Army’s response to Hurricane Zeta, and other 2020 hurricanes, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmy.org.

 

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 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.

Meals, Refreshment and Prayers Delivered in Lake Charles

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Lake Charles, Louisiana (October 14, 2020) – Twelve disaster response units and Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams hit the streets of Lake Charles, on day four of service, after Hurricane Delta tore through the area. In addition to serving meals, snacks and drinks, staff and volunteers had the opportunity to pray with more than 360 individuals on Tuesday.

Rapid Response Units and mobile kitchens, staffed by teams from The Salvation Army Texas and Arkansas/Oklahoma Divisions (AOK) and the Southern Baptist Texas Convention, delivered 7,434 meals, 5,602 drinks, and 2,817 snacks in Calcasieu and Jefferson Davis Parish on Tuesday. The fleet of disaster response vehicles and personnel from different cities, states, and organizations have quickly galvanized into an effective team under the leadership of the Incident Management Team from The Salvation Army in Texas.

“Our Incident Management Team from Texas has worked together on a number of large-scale response efforts this summer and get right to work like a well-oiled machine,” said Alvin Migues, The Salvation Army EDS Director in Texas. “It has been good to also collaborate with our colleagues from the AOK Division and long-time partners in disaster relief, the Southern Baptist Texas Convention. This group has come together very quickly and is a great example of how The Salvation Army’s disaster response and Incident Command model should function. They are doing a great job of serving the basic needs of the Lake Charles community, with many neighborhoods still without power.”

As of Tuesday, all Salvation Army units have been assigned permanent feeding stations at the following locations:

  • Sulphur – 110 N. Cities Services Hwy, Sulphur (Iberia Bank)
  • Sulphur – Quick Shop Store – 404 W. Napoleon Street, Sulphur, LA
  • Iowa – 105 East Miller Ave., Iowa (Next to Old Subway)
  • Lake Charles – Lowes, 2800 Derek Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70607
  • Lake Charles – Roving -Van Buren and McKinley Sub-Division, Lake Charles
  • Northeast Lake Charles – 2231 Moeling Street, Lake Charles (Old Peggy’s Superette)
  • Moss Bluff – Walmart 260 Sam Houston Jones Parkway Moss Bluff, La.
  • West Lake- 909 Wehrt West Lake, La
  • Lacassine- Lacassine High School 409 Algonia Ave. Lacassine, La.
  • Lake Charles- Sunlight Manor 343 Goos St. Lake Charles, La.
  • Lake Arthur- City Hall 102 Arthur Ave. Lake Arthur, La.  Welsh Baptist Church – 500 S. Adams Welsh, La.

Another important aspect of any recovery effort is coordination with local emergency management teams and partners. “We have been actively working with VOAD, the United Way, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, and Little Caesar’s Pizza.,” said Migues. “As a result of these conversations The Salvation Army will be supporting a Point of Distribution (POD) at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Thursday and Friday (October 15-16, 2020) distributing food boxes, water, hygiene kits, and tarps.”

The Salvation Army has provided 21,559 meals, 16,762 drinks, 9,993 snacks, and made 1,378 Emotional and Spiritual Care contacts since Saturday, October 10 in the Lake Charles area.

For the latest information on The Salvation Army response efforts go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. To support ongoing Hurricane Delta relief efforts please visit www.HelpSalvationArmy.org.

 

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 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.

Hurricane Delta Weakens to Tropical Storm | The Salvation Army Moves in to Serve Neighbors in Need

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JACKSON, Miss. (October 10, 2020) – Hurricane Delta made landfall overnight near Creole, Louisiana, a city in Cameron Parish with 660 residents, as a Category 2 hurricane. Creole is approximately 12 miles east of where Category 4 Hurricane Laura made landfall only six weeks ago.

As of 7 AM CDT today, Delta is a tropical storm moving north/northeast near 16 mph and is expected to continue to weaken into a tropical depression later today. A motion toward the northeast is expected to begin later today and continue through Sunday night. On the forecast track, Delta’s center should move across northeastern Louisiana this morning and then across northern Mississippi and into the Tennessee Valley later today and Sunday.

There 593,308 power outages throughout Louisiana and 90,852 power outages in Mississippi. Delta has produced a vast amount of rainfall in Louisiana, with one location reporting up to 17 inches of rain. It is expected to create an additional 2-5 inches of rain, with isolated storm totals of 10 inches. These rainfall amounts will lead to flash flooding. Delta is forecast to exit the ALM Division in the northwest corner of Alabama Sunday morning.

Thirty-two mobile feeding units are on standby to respond throughout the ALM Division. Approximately 70,000 meals are ready or being prepared for initial distribution in southwest Louisiana and other affected areas. An Incident Management Team with disaster relief equipment is now heading to Lake Charles from Beaumont, Texas, and has prepped 12,000 meals to fill immediate requests. The Salvation Army ALM Division monitors tropical storm Delta closely as we prepare to serve our neighbors in need.

As natural disasters can increase mental stress, The Salvation Army’s Emotional & Spiritual Care HOPEline remains available.  Anyone needing a caring listener – whether because of natural disaster, COVID-19, or the stress of life in general – can call 844-458-HOPE (4673) for support.

For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, follow the social feed on Twitter at @salarmyeds or visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. To donate to The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts, visit HelpSalvationArmy.org.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 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.

Meals and Mobile Feeding Units Are Prepped to Serve Throughout Louisiana for Hurricane Delta Relief

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JACKSON, Miss. (October 9, 2020) As of 7 AM CDT, Hurricane Delta is a Category 3 Hurricane. Louisiana and Mississippi experienced tornado warnings overnight. No damage has been reported. Slow weakening is expected to begin as Delta approaches the northern Gulf Coast later today, with rapid decline expected after the center moves inland. Landfall is expected along the southwest Louisiana coast later this afternoon or evening. Hurricane-force winds and dangerous storm surge flooding are expected Friday afternoon and evening along the southwest and south-central Louisiana coast. Hurricane Delta is expected to produce 5 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 15 inches, southwest into south-central Louisiana. The system is expected to move north, north-east crossing Mississippi, and then exiting the ALM Division in the northwest corner of Alabama early Sunday morning.

Thirty-two mobile feeding units are on standby to respond throughout the ALM Division. Approximately 70,000 meals are ready or being prepared for initial distribution in southwest Louisiana and other affected areas. An Incident Management Team with disaster relief equipment is staging in Beaumont, Texas, Friday evening for rapid deployment to Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Saturday, October 10, 2020. There are 12,000 meals on standby in Beaumont to fill immediate requests. The Salvation Army ALM Division monitors Hurricane Delta closely as we prepare to serve our neighbors in need.

As natural disasters can increase mental stress, The Salvation Army’s Emotional & Spiritual Care HOPEline remains available.  Anyone needing a caring listener – whether because of natural disaster, COVID-19, or the stress of life in general – can call 844-458-HOPE (4673) for support.
For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, follow the social feed on Twitter at @salarmyeds or visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. To donate to The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts, visit HelpSalvationArmy.org.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 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.

Boots on the Ground, Preparing for Hurricane Delta | The Salvation Army Prepared and Ready to Respond to Disaster

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Jackson, MS (October 6, 2020) – As Category 4 Hurricane Delta makes its way into the Gulf of Mexico, life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall is possible anywhere from Southeast Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle Thursday night through Saturday morning. The Salvation Army is monitoring the situation closely and preparing to respond as needed by placing disaster relief equipment and personnel on standby.

“The Salvation Army is prepared for Hurricane Delta,” stated Terry Lightheart, Emergency Disaster Services Director of The Salvation Army Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi Division. “We are monitoring the system in conjunction with local and state emergency management partners and national weather service agencies. We currently have seven (7) mobile feeding units ready to go and another seven (7) units on standby to provide food and hydration to those in the potentially affected areas,” Terry Lightheart added.

As natural disasters can increase mental stress, The Salvation Army’s Emotional & Spiritual Care HOPEline remains available. Anyone needing a caring listener – whether because of natural disaster, COVID-19, or the stress of life in general – can call 844-458-HOPE (4673) for support.

For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, follow the social feed on Twitter at @salarmyeds or visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. To donate to The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts, visit HelpSalvationArmy.org.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 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.

Salvation Army Constantly Assessing & Meeting Needs in Lake Charles

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Lake Charles, Lousiana (September 10, 2020)—Today marks two full weeks since Hurricane Laura made landfall as a category 4 hurricane that nearly devastated Lake Charles, Louisiana. With the majority of the area still without electricity and a city-wide boil water advisory in place, the extreme heat and dehydration are a major concern. Add to that the fact that people can’t cook for themselves in homes that lack power and drinkable water, and most homes in the area are in some state of ruin, with or without electricity. Ensuring that everyone is well fed, hydrated, and cared for is The Salvation Army’s primary mission here.

 

The Salvation Army has 24 mobile feeding units (canteens) serving two meals a day to the Lake Charles area every day. Every morning, the canteen location list is posted to the Lake Charles Salvation Army Facebook page and shared with partner agencies and local news stations, so people know where they can go to receive a free hot meal. In addition to these static locations, there are also canteens roving through neighborhoods to serve people where they are. Assessing the latest information to determine which areas need the most service is a daily task that is taken very seriously.

 

“With power coming back on to different areas, we’ve had to shift the places where we’re feeding. But power is still out in much of the city, so we’ve shifted dynamics on where we are serving to keep meeting the most need and doing the most good,” said Lt. Bryan Farrington, Operations Chief for The Salvation Army’s Hurricane Laura relief efforts in Lake Charles. “The need is still extremely great here. We’ll keep adjusting and filling needs, making sure the people have plenty of food and proper hydration to keep going,” Farrington added.

 

The best way to support the disaster work of The Salvation Army is by making a financial donation at www.helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, please go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/LakeCharlesCorps, www.facebook.com/salarmyalm/ and www.twitter.com/salarmyalm.

 

As natural disasters can increase mental stress, The Salvation Army’s Emotional & Spiritual Care HOPEline remains available. Anyone needing a caring listener – whether because of natural disaster, COVID-19, or the stress of life in general – can call 844-458-HOPE (4673) for support. HOPEline hours are 8 AM to 11 PM CDT, 7 days a week.

 

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 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.

Lake Charles Community Joins The Salvation Army in Hurricane Laura Relief

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Lake Charles (September 6, 2020) – The Salvation Army has been on the ground in Lake Charles for over a week now, serving those affected by Hurricane Laura. In turn, many Lake Charles residents have found ways to thank and care for these tireless Salvation Army staff and volunteers.

One canteen worker, Bianca Mosley-Greene, parks her canteen near a convenience store every day. She and her partner have several work crews who regularly come for lunches. One crew leader, stating he just wanted them to know they are appreciated, has started bringing them both a red bull in the morning to keep up their energy.

Another Salvation Army truck driver, Denise Rembert, received permission to set up each day outside a house in a particularly hard-hit neighborhood. In addition to allowing the truck to park in their yard, the owners come out each evening, after donning masks and gloves, and help serve meals. They also load up meals to distribute to neighbors unable to come to the site.

Ms. Mary Dejeam has lived in Lake Charles for over 50 years. Despite extensive damage to her house and vehicles, her cheerful spirit cannot be vanquished. When Salvation Army volunteers brought her cleaning supplies and water, she wound up ministering to them. “When you serve God,” Ms. Mary said, “You give. And even when you’re tired, God is not going to leave you.”

Other community members have given financially at the Lake Charles Command Center. “We’ve seen you out in the community,” said one such donor, who wished to remain anonymous. “And we wanted to give back and help with what The Salvation Army is doing here.”

The Lake Charles community remains resilient in the face of extreme devastation. The Salvation Army will remain by their side, partners in a recovery effort, determined to see it through.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 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.

The Salvation Army Addresses The Invisible Effects of Natural Disasters and Trauma in Lake Charles, LA

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Lake Charles, LA (September 5, 2020) – Food, water, and meeting physical needs are incredibly important parts of The Salvation Army’s efforts to provide relief to those affected by Hurricane Laura. But, Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) remain an essential part of total disaster response.

The Salvation Army helps treat the emotional stress and trauma of disaster victims and first responders with emotional support and spiritual comfort. Whether it’s lending a listening ear, offering a hug, joining together in prayer, or simply being present, Salvation Army counselors are ready to help.

Major Robert Lyle leads the ESC efforts for Hurricane Laura in Lake Charles. In addition to his time meeting with survivors, Major Lyle has also asked the canteen drivers to bring him lists of prayer requests each day. Each and every name on this list is prayed over that night by his team.

Alonzo Hill, one of the canteen members who traveled up from Baton Rouge LA to serve Lake Charles is committed to this effort. “When I’m out there with people, I tell them the resources and systems we have in place to help them are great, but our main purpose is to lift you and your family up in prayer. I just want them to know the love of Jesus because of how He has changed my life.”

This wholistic approach to recovery allows The Salvation Army to meet survivors where they need it most. Many effects of a natural disaster are long reaching and invisible to the naked eye. The Salvation Army aims to support these needs while also meeting the more visible needs and will continue to do so as long as they are needed.

To date, The Salvation Army has provided:

78,829 Prepared Meals

57,761 Drinks

47,936 Snacks

1,243 Emotional and Spiritual Care visits

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 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.

The Salvation Army Widens Service Area as Roads Clear in Lake Charles, LA

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Lake Charles, LA (September 2, 2020) – As more roads become navigable in Lake Charles, The Salvation Army has broadened the reach of its mobile feeding units. Many residents are receiving the first hot meal they’ve had since Hurricane Laura made landfall one week ago.

Melony Simon Bourque was beyond moved at these efforts to provide relief. “Y’all are a Godsend,” she said. “I didn’t know what to do.” Melony and her family rode out the storm in the bathroom. After damage done by wind and trees, the bathroom is currently the only room of the house not leaking.

Melony was by herself and with few recourses as her husband is a trucker and gone for long stretches at a time. However, she has not been alone. The business across the street loaned her a generator to keep her house cool, and other neighbors have checked in on her.

The Salvation Army was able to provide her with meals and water as well as cleaning supplies and food for her cats. “I’ll tell you the truth,” Melody confided, “before the storm, I was a loner. I didn’t think there were good people left in this world. Hurricane Laura has shown me how many people are willing to help. My opinion has changed. I can’t thank you enough.”

To date, The Salvation Army has provided the following in Lake Charles:

32,699 Prepared Meals

30,071 Drinks

20,928 Snacks

The best way to support the disaster work of The Salvation Army by making a financial donation at www.helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, please go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/salarmyalm/ and www.twitter.com/salarmyalm.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 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.

Salvation Army Monitoring Potential Hurricane in Gulf of Mexico

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As the first potential hurricane of 2019 brews in the Gulf of Mexico, The Salvation Army Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi Division disaster personnel are working closely with local and state emergency management officials to monitor the situation.

Severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado warnings, and localized flooding have already occurred in New Orleans. The National Hurricane Center is predicting similar conditions to continue over the next 48-72 hours as the system tracks along the coastline from Mississippi to Texas and many parts inland.

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services disaster relief includes providing food, water, and emotional and spiritual care to residents in the affected areas and first responders.