Salvation Army Service Continues Across Storm Ravaged U.S. South

by Salvation Army
Categories: Newswire
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After five days of intense service, several locations are scaling back response efforts while some locations hit particularly hard by the storms are still in need of daily feeding and spiritual care.

Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) personnel continue to meet material, emotional, and spiritual needs in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Alabama/Mississippi – Currently, 40 Salvation Army ESD feeding units and one shower trailer are actively serving in Mississippi and Alabama. Over the last five days, tens of thousands of meals and drinks have been distributed.

Arkansas – EDS personnel continue to monitor rising water levels which have reached major flood stage in nine counties. At present, one mobile feeding unit is serving Randolph County. Approximately 5,000 meals have been served.

Georgia – At the request of FEMA, a mobile feeding unit will remain in Spalding County, as will a social service representative in Harold County. Additionally, operations will continue in Catoosa and Walker counties through the end of the week. Teams have served close to 10,000 meals.

Kentucky/Tennessee/Virginia – In Chattanooga and Cleveland, TN as well as North Georgia, EDS crews are increasing their meal, beverage, and emotional/spiritual care services to keep pace with the needs of communities hit hard by the storms. A strong presence remains in Dyersburg, TN, Greenville, TN, Washington County, VA, and Henderson, KY. As of Sunday morning, 800 volunteers had logged 7,000 hours while helping staff serve approximately 14,500 meals throughout the area.

Says Dr. Kevin Ellers, The Salvation Army USA’s Central Territorial Disaster Services Coordinator: “Working with disaster survivors and meeting their needs has been part of The Salvation Army’s ministry since 1906. The emotional and spiritual care component is really what sets The Salvation Army’s disaster relief work apart.”