• Mark Jones

Salvation Army Serves Over 2,600 Familes After Mississippi & Yazoo River Floods

Jackson, MS - June 17, 2011 – The Salvation Army’s response to flooding continues in areas of Mississippi affected by the rising waters of the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers. In response to widespread flooding and the hundreds of homes affected, The Salvation Army opened a warehouse to distribute food, household items, hygiene kits, and bulk cleaning supplies for to residents of flooded areas.

To date over 2,600 people have received assistance from The Salvation Army’s Flood Relief in Warren and Yazoo Counties in Mississippi. Over 2,600 food boxes to feed a family for two weeks have been distributed utilizing primarily donated food. Additionally, each family received bulk cleaning supplies and kits to assist in their clean-up.

The Mississippi River is expected to drop below flood stage on June 17, 2011 for the first time since mid-April allowing many to begin the long process of returning home and recovery.

“The major assistance effort of The Salvation Army’s flood response will now occur as residents return home and begin removing water soaked belongings and removing mildewing drywall,” stated Captain Ken Chapman of The Salvation Army in Jackson, MS.

The Salvation Army’s Case managers continue to identify resources that are available to flood survivors. Additionally, Salvation Army volunteers, officers and staff are prepared to provide emotional and spiritual care. Over 3,200 hours of volunteer service has been logged in assistance to flood survivors providing assistance as well as emotional and spiritual care to over 620 people.

“Providing the supplies to assist the clean up process and assisting families in their return home will be the major component and expense of our flood response, but the pastoral care will also be crucial to the recovery process,” added Chapman.

The Salvation Army has been busy serving throughout the Southeast, including Mississippi in the aftermath of the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak.

These multiple disasters require additional resources to meet the ever-increasing demand on services.  Foremost, we ask for your prayers as we serve in the multiple disaster affected areas.

If you would like to help victims of the flooding please give online at: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and mark them Flood Relief or text “GIVE” to 80888 or you can give by calling 1-800-Sal-Army.

Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301.  Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by disaster.

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing, shelter and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. For more information go to http://www.salvationarmyusa.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or send a check to your local Salvation Army earmarked for disaster relief.