Houston, Texas – The Salvation Army Incident Management Team (IMT) coordinating recovery efforts in Greater Houston is moving its base of operations today to The Salvation Army Area Command, 1500 Austin Street. The move, which involves more than 120 workers and 35 emergency disaster services vehicles, is a strategy to provide for a more central city location and greater operational efficiency.
The decision to move was made when the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar Street, offered to provide reduced-rate lodging for volunteers who will now be able to park their services vehicles next to the command center and walk to overnight accommodations after long days of serving the community.
“We are grateful and thankful for the Salvation Army and their volunteers for all they are doing for the community and people of Houston,” said Four Seasons Hotel Houston General Manager Tom Segesta. “It is inspiring to see how many people have come together to make a difference in our city, and through the support of the Salvation Army, thousands of lives have already been touched.”
The Salvation Army’s efforts in the Greater Houston Area have shifted from immediate response to recovery services, as flood waters recede and community members begin cleaning and rebuilding. Staffed with volunteers from around the U.S. and Canada, mobile feeding units continue to provide thousands of daily meals, but have now also been supplied with cleanup kits to distribute for the recovery effort.
“Throughout the Greater Houston Area, we have seen the outpouring of support from numerous individuals, businesses, and other organizations. We are pleased to host the Incident Management Team at our Area Command office, thereby freeing up our local Salvation Army Corps centers to get their programs back in place, meeting the needs of their communities,” said Major Kent Davis, Commander for The Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command. “Having the workers in affordable lodging within walking distance of the Area Command will greatly increase our efficiency as we meet our neighbors’ needs throughout the area.”
The IMT initiated response efforts with a command center at The Salvation Army Northwest Corps Community Center at 12507 Windfern Road, Houston, TX 77064, where programs for children and families can now return to normal.
For more information about The Salvation Army of Greater Houston’s efforts regarding Hurricane Harvey, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SalvationArmyHouston.
