Salvation Army in New Zealand launches fresh earthquake initiatives

by Salvation Army
Categories: Newswire
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As part of its continuing support for earthquake-hit residents in Christchurch, The Salvation Army in New Zealand is distributing 4,000 ‘Care Cards’, each loaded with NZ$500, to affected households. The project was developed in partnership with Westpac Bank.

The use of the Care Card is at the discretion of recipients, but can be put towards the cost of urgent house repairs or to purchase food, clothing or other goods. Cards are limited to one per household.

Payments and grants are available from a range of organizations but Salvation Army workers report high levels of earthquake-related unemployment and material hardship experienced by families as well as a substantial degree of anxiety about their futures.

The Salvation Army has also released a ‘Take a Break’ scheme aimed at giving individuals and families suffering significant emotional stress a break away from the city. Help with travel, accommodation and costs will be provided to eligible people.

The Salvation Army still has more than 100 care workers visiting the worst-affected suburbs to assess residents’ emotional and material needs, with other personnel following up more complex cases and teams of volunteers delivering food, water, clothing and bedding to those who need them. Another team of volunteers has been providing support to the families of those still listed as missing.

The Salvation Army’s Linwood Centre is providing around 800 food parcels a day and other goods, as well as food, fuel and clothing vouchers.

The Salvation Army is doing brief assessments to find out what people need and personnel are also checking houses to ensure they are safe to live in.