Contact: Philip Burn, Communications Director, 214-956-6243
Houston, Texas – Mayor John Whitmire of the City of Houston presented Major Carolynn Webb, Houston Area Commander, an award recognizing the work of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster teams after Hurricane Beryl and the derecho that hit the city. The award was presented on Monday, April 23, at the Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Awards Ceremony.
Hurricane Beryl made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on July 8, 2024, along the Texas coast. The storm stalled over the Houston area for several days causing widespread flooding and left more than two million customers without power during the Texas summer heat. The Salvation Army deployed 26 mobile feeding units in the area serving almost 100,000 meals, 76,000 drinks, provided 1,761 cleanup kits and 3,491 food boxes.
The Salvation Army was awarded the Mayor’s Disaster Relief and Recovery Award, explaining, “The Salvation Army supported derecho and Beryl responses, providing sites, volunteers, and supplies for emergency distribution. They also partnered with NGOs and private initiatives to provide thousands of meals to those in need.”
“During any time of disaster or crisis, The Salvation Army is here to help and provide practical, emotional and spiritual support to our residents and city,” said Major Robert Webb, Area Commander for The Salvation Army Greater Houston. “Last year was a particularly demanding year for The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams who responded for multiple consecutive weeks after widespread flooding and the derecho in the month of May, followed by Hurricane Beryl in July. We are so grateful for this recognition and the ongoing support of the City of Houston and the other agencies we collaborate with in times of disaster.”
More than 225 disaster workers and volunteers supported The Salvation Army’s response efforts in and around Houston after Hurricane Beryl.
“We want to offer our sincere appreciation to The Salvation Army officers, staff, volunteers and community partners who served so valiantly during the challenging days after the storm,” said Major Webb. “They empowered us to respond quickly, serve effectively and share God’s love to all who came to us for assistance.”
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
