In the aftermath of the tragic explosion that occurred on Friday, October 10th in rural Tennessee, The Salvation Army remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting affected communities by providing emotional and spiritual care, emergency financial assistance, and most importantly, hope.
Starting Monday, October 13th, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) personnel began supporting operations at a family assistance center located at Compassion Church in Waverley, Tennessee. This center serves as a central resource hub for plant workers, their families, and friends, providing access to essential services and support during the days ahead.
The Salvation Army is supplying emergency financial assistance in the form of gift cards and has emotional and spiritual care specialists on site. In collaboration with organizations such as World Central Kitchen, Compassion Church, National Response Crisis Canines and the Tennessee Crisis Response Network, the family assistance center strives to foster compassion and provide meaningful relief as the community navigates the aftermath of this tragedy.
Emotional and Spiritual Care specialist Captain William Richardson said “In times like these, we need to practice compassion – to come alongside family, friends, and even strangers to offer a listening ear or a caring shoulder to lean on. The community here is doing just that.”
The Salvation Army will continue to staff the family assistance center in the coming days, looking for opportunities to meet community needs.
We humbly ask that in these trying times you would keep the families, friends, and loved ones affected by this incident in your prayers. As Paul called upon the church of Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians, verse 11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
