The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division Expands Relief Efforts
The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division Expands Relief Efforts
in Icy Northern Michigan
April 4, 2025
Salvation Army teams from across the state are expanding emergency response efforts as they continue to travel hundreds of miles back and forth each day to spread out geographical areas of Northern Michigan to help those still impacted by this past weekend’s catastrophic ice storms.
Most Northern Michigan Salvation Army Corps and Community Centers were left without power following the storm. While some now have power, all are still relying on Salvation Army locations, that weren’t impacted, to provide vital support supplies, including support from Bay City, Big Rapids, Cadillac, Grand Rapids, Plymouth, and Traverse City.
Despite relief efforts, many obstacles remain. Most roads are still blocked or reduced to a single lane due to debris. In addition, according to Salvation Army teams on the ground in Gaylord, despite recent progress by line workers, power that had been restored was temporarily back down. And some gas stations that were open have closed again, causing a setback.
“With care, love and hard work, units in the field have continued to go above and beyond meeting the needs thrown their direction,” said Chris Striebel, Executive Director of Emergency Services for The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division. “Especially their ability to adapt and mold their services to each unique situation.”
Along with previous efforts, cots are being provided to partner agencies providing services to house affected residents and first responders in Cheboygan County, spiritual and emotional support is being provided at E-Free Church Shelter in Gaylord, food box deliveries have been expanded including to Alcona County, and welfare check-ups are being made for staff working in the field.
Captain Greg Bock, who travels every day from Cadillac to Cheboygan to deliver hot meals has seen the devastation first-hand. “It’s kind of surreal,” Bock said. It looks like the movie Frozen when she blasts the ice out of her hands, and everything turns to ice. Trees are still on people’s homes and hanging on power lines. It’s not only devastating, it’s extremely dangerous.”
Since services began on March 29, The Salvation Army has served 3,802 meals, 3,657 drinks, 5,069 snacks, 1,090 food boxes, 123 cases/gallons of water, 1,049 volunteer hours distributed 254 cleanup kits and 167 hygiene kits, and made 122 Emotional and Spiritual Care contacts.
To donate, go to https://salarmy.us/IceStorms or text DISASTER to 24365.