NEWS BRIEF: SALVATION ARMY BRINGING RELIEF TO SURVIVORS OF HURRICANE KATRINA
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Chicago, IL…In the wake of what is being called one of the worst national disasters in U.S. history, The Salvation Army has launched one of the largest emergency disaster services relief efforts in the organization’s history. Currently, The Salvation Army is providing relief to residents and first responders in Hattiesburg, Miss., Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans, La. Additional Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) are staged in surrounding areas and are prepared to be deployed to other affected areas once emergency management officials determine it safe. The Salvation Army is prepared to serve 500,000 meals a day as well as provide emotional and spiritual support to those trying to recover from Katrina’s wrath.
Salvation Army centers in Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans, La., have become safe havens to 500 people who were evacuated due to the storms. The Salvation Army is providing shelter and food to evacuees, many of whom have no where else to go since the storm annihilated countless homes in its destructive path. Salvation Army canteens are serving hot meals to residents and first responders throughout Mobile and in Hattiesburg, Miss.
More than 250 Salvation Army volunteers, employees and officers (ministers) will be providing aid from at least 100 canteens that will each be able to provide up to 5,000 meals a day. The Salvation Army has staged its two 54-foot mobile kitchens in Baton Rouge, La., and Mobile, Ala. They will be moved to other affected areas once emergency responders determine safe locations.
As Hurricane Katrina moved onshore in coastal Louisiana, The Salvation Army’s New Orleans Area Command was prepared to ride out the storm. Majors Richard and Faye Brittle, in charge of The Salvation Army’s work in the New Orleans area, along with 250 evacuees, sought shelter and safety at The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope in New Orleans.
“We are feeding and caring for 250 people including three kidney dialysis patients in need of a safe and secure building,” said Major Richard Brittle. According to the Major, The Salvation Army is using its canteen (emergency disaster services vehicle) to cook food and feed evacuees as well as provide power through its generator.
The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) has been tirelessly working to provide information concerning the health and welfare of affected residents to anxious family members and loved ones. In one day, SATERN received more than 600 health and welfare requests. Health and welfare inquiry forms may be found at www.salvationarmyusa.org.
At this time, The Salvation Army is only asking for monetary donations. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water, and one household clean-up kit. Monetary donations may be sent your local Salvation Army earmarked “Disaster Relief,” made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
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