• Maria Matheus

Hurricane Ian response update from The Salvation Army of Florida

Across Florida, disaster services continue

Tampa, Florida, (January 27, 2023) — After Hurricane Ian, The Salvation Army continues to support individuals and families affected by the historic storm.

Amidst the ruins of a building that has been severely damaged by fire just before Christmas, the Naples Corps (Collier County) undertakes the task of repairing its fire-damaged buildings in a timely manner, while also continuing to assist the local community with disaster relief at the same time.

Among the top critical recovery needs are housing, a problem already exacerbated by scarcity of affordable housing, in addition to repairs and rebuilds along with household items lost to the hurricane. Transportation also continues to be a need as many vehicles were flooded by surge and rising waters. These needs are not just in Lee County, or even the Southwest Coast of Florida, but instead are needs that disaster survivors are dealing with across the peninsula as Ian impacted more than just the coast.

There is a core mission of The Salvation Army which is to meet the needs of humans in his name, or, as Captain Ben Bridges, Commander of the Naples Corps, might say, "The Army is committed to doing the most good for as many people as possible." A coordinated long term disaster recovery effort takes more than one agency or organization can provide.

“The Salvation Army works alongside numerous other groups that have the heart and passion to meet the needs of disaster survivors in the days, months, and years after Hurricane Ian. Coming together with other disaster response and recovery organizations leverages the resources of many. This will help all of those affected by disasters,” said Steven Hartsook, Director of The Salvation Army Florida Division, Emergency Disaster Services.

Though recovery efforts may take years, The Salvation Army is positioned to respond to widespread needs as efficiently and effectively as possible. Following the weeks of active response to Ian, deploying feeding units, disaster workers, and tens of thousands of pounds of product to support the impacted communities across the state, The Salvation Army now begins working with families and individuals as they work to recover from the storm.

Ian Service Delivery by the numbers

Emergency Financial Assistance - $829,602

Served Meals - 381,000

Beverages - 263,626

Snacks - 161,524

Emotional and Spiritual Care Contacts - 16,048

Bulk Distribution Items - 179,062

Hours Served by Disaster Workers - 399077

For more information on The Salvation Army's continued long term recovery response, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

To make a financial gift to support Hurricane Ian relief efforts:

• Donate online: www.HelpSalvationArmy.org.
• Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Text-To-Donate: Text STORM to 51555 to donate to help disaster relief efforts.
• Current media releases, updates, and information - disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

One hundred percent of designated disaster donations go to direct services for survivors and first responders.