• Philip Burn

Statewide Flooding Prompts Increased Salvation Army Response in Texas

Dallas, Texas (May 23, 2015) – Record flooding in several Texas locations has seen increased statewide response from The Salvation Army.

In Wichita Falls the flood level crested at 21.3 feet on Saturday and with more rain anticipated water levels may reach as high as 27 feet. On Friday The Salvation Army provided 189 meals and shelter to 39 individuals who have been evacuated from their homes. Manpower and equipment have been deployed from Salvation Army locations in San Angelo, DFW Area Command, Big Spring and Midland.

“The Salvation Army will have five mobile kitchens in the city feeding our neighbors by the end of the day,” said Captain David Swyers, Wichita Falls Commanding Officer. “The two canteens already responding with meals, snacks, and emotional and spiritual care are being met with great gratitude. As the waters rise The Salvation Army will be here to serve the needs of the community.”

In Central and South Texas disaster response units from the Austin Area Command and New Braunfels are providing additional support to area shelters, as are the Laredo team in Crystal City and Cotulla along the border. The mobile kitchen from Corpus Christi has been operational since Wednesday, May 13, after widespread flooding and continues to serve the affected communities of Banquette, Agua Dulce, and San Diego.

Meanwhile, support following recent tornadoes continues with the Tyler Corps serving in Van Zandt and Smith counties. Volunteers and staff from Texas Service Extension Region's 2 and 3 are working with survivors providing Case Work and Emergency Assistance in Van Zandt, Eastland and Johnson Counties.

Salvation Army response is expected to continue for the foreseeable future as flood levels rise swelled by persistent rain in Texas. To make a financial donation to support The Salvation Army flood and tornado relief efforts please go to http://tsatx.org/floodandtornadorelief

If you are interested in learning more about The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) in Texas, or to become a local disaster volunteer, please visit: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

For the most up-to-date emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army in Texas, please visit: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and follow latest updates on Twitter @SalArmyTXEDS and Facebook at www.facebook.com/SalArmyTXEDS.

About The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services:
“The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” While every disaster is unique and creates its own special needs, the core of The Salvation Army's disaster program consists of several basic services. And while these services address many of the typical needs of a disaster survivor, Salvation Army disaster relief is also flexible. Our services are adapted to the specific needs of individuals and communities and scalable according to the magnitude of the disaster.

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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest 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 spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
February 5, 2010