• Cynthia (Cindy) Fuller

Oklahoma Salvation Army Enters Long-Term Tornado & Flood Recovery Work

Oklahoma City, OK (July 8, 2013) The Salvation Army is transitioning from response to long-term recovery following the May tornadoes and flooding in Oklahoma.  The Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) located at Westmoore High School closed July 3rd. However, the closure does not mean The Salvation Army, along with other agencies, are ending their assistance.

The transition occurs as many have received the emergency assistance needed and are now preparing for the next steps of recovery and rebuilding their lives.  The Salvation Army has been in Central Oklahoma for over 100 years and will continue to support the community in the future.

The Salvation Army participated in multiple MARCs:  Carney, Little Axe, Shawnee, El Reno and Moore; all have now closed in preparation to transition to long-term recovery.  Along with other partner agencies, The Salvation Army is working on a plan for a long-term recovery center.  In preparation, a call center, led by the American Red Cross has been set up to do intake for case work.  Call center staff will do intake and casework teams are available to respond and/or collect information for follow up on an as needed basis.  The number to the call center is 866-477-7276. 

The Salvation Army provided the following during its emergency disaster response phase:

• 89,477 meals
• 129,181 drinks
• 170,379 snacks
• Emotional and spiritual care to 14,728 individuals
• 51,988 comfort kits
• 10,249 Clean Up Kits
• 28,891 hours of employee and volunteer service
• 6,381 cases opened and services provided to 31,208 with assistance through distribution of cards, vouchers, and referrals

The Salvation Army also provided blankets, Bibles, brooms, rakes, shoves, wheel barrows, totes, food boxes, infant supplies and cases of water.

The Salvation Army is working together with partner agencies on how it will continue to support Oklahoma communities affected by the May tornadoes and flooding.  This will occur through long-term recovery case management process.   While needs may change, The Salvation Army is committed to being involved for the long haul.

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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a broad array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.