Dallas, Texas – As several counties in South Texas face up to the long cleanup and recovery process ahead, The Salvation Army is there to support residents and first responders with hot meals and essential supplies. More than 3,000 homes were impacted by torrential rains that have flooded area roads, businesses, and neighborhoods.
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams quickly mobilized after the mid-week storms and several locations began meal service as soon as Saturday. As of Monday, seven Salvation Army mobile feeding units are actively serving in the Rio Grande Valley, and the Southern Baptist Texas Convention field kitchen was fully operational. The Incident Management Team continues to coordinate with local and state officials working to support the region.
“Today is the first day of full service by our Salvation Army teams and hot meals were headed out of our Incident Command Post this morning in mobile kitchens headed for impacted communities,” said Alvin Migues, Emergency Services Director for The Salvation Army in Texas. “Many people are without power and dealing with several feet of water in their homes. The meal they receive from a Salvation Army team member may be the first hot food they have eaten in several days. That brings not only sustenance for the challenging tasks of today, but also encouragement for tomorrow, and the knowledge that someone cares. That’s why The Salvation Army is here.”
The Harlingen and McAllen Salvation Army facilities have begun the distribution of cleanup and hygiene supplies. “A Salvation Army cleanup kit consists of a large bucket, filled with a mop, bleach, work gloves, surface cleaner, broom, scrubbing brush and more. These essential supplies can help a homeowner begin cleaning without having to worry about where to gather everything needed,” said Migues. “They are available at The Salvation Army locations in McAllen and Harlingen and our teams will be distributing these along with hygiene kits, water, and other items to affected communities. We will also be supplying food boxes in the coming days.”
On Monday, The Salvation Army will serve meals at the following locations:
• Santa Rosa Youth Center — 513 S. FM 506, Santa Rosa, TX 78593
• Laureles County Park – 33685 FM 2893, San Benito, TX 78586
• Primera Police Department, 22893 Suart Place Rd., Primera TX 78552
• Sebastian Volunteer Fire Department, Corner of East Main Street and 77, Sebastian TX 78594
• Weslaco City Hall, 255 S. Kansas Ave, Weslaco, TX
• Iglesia De Dios Fe Apostolica, 7612 S. Lila, Phar, TX
• Edcouch Elsa Volunteer Fire Department, 200 W. Santa Rosa Ave, Edcouch, TX
On Sunday, March 30, The Salvation Army provided 6,600 meals, 5,200 drinks, 2,100 snacks and made 25 emotional and spiritual care contacts. Since services began on Saturday, teams have served 7,778 meals, 6,723 drinks, 3,267 drinks, and distributed 54 cleanup kits and 167 hygiene kits.
For the latest information please go to www.disaster.salvationarmy.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/salvationarmytexas/ and www.twitter.com/salarmytx
