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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

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Disasters of incredible magnitude call for people of incredible generosity.

The Salvation Army is your local charity. Already in place to help combat disasters with acts of God.

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Natural disasters in the U.S. cause an average of $15 billion dollars in damages each year.

Drought, wildfires, flash-flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and blizzards create a sense of helplessness, fear and uncertainty.

The Salvation Army is already here to help heal and offer hope.

Many first-responders say that The Salvation Army is the first to have boots on the ground and the last to leave when disaster strikes. We are already present in most communities, so we don?t leave once the dust settles. Our staff and volunteers stay in that community, working for weeks, months or even years until the scars of destruction are covered with hope and renewal.

The Salvation Army helps meet the disaster survivors through:

Emergency Preparedness

As one of the nation's major emergency relief organizations, The Salvation Army recognizes the critical importance of being prepared for natural and man-made disasters. Therefore, we take steps to ensure our own ability to respond quickly and efficiently to a disaster while also working to educate other disaster professionals and the public at large about how to prepare for and respond to emergency situations.

Immediate Emergency Response

Emergency response services are activated on short notice according to an agreed-upon notification procedure coordinated with federal, state and local governments. Typically, Salvation Army personnel and resources will congregate at predetermined staging areas, entering the impacted area only once government first-responders have indicated that it is safe and constructive to do so. These immediate response activities include food and hydration services, shelter, cleanup and emergency communication assistance to put victims in touch with their loved ones.

Long-Term Disaster Recovery

Depending on the magnitude of the disaster, The Salvation Army may continue providing immediate response services such as emergency shelter and food service well into the recovery process. Additionally, the Army will often coordinate with local, state and federal entities to develop and execute long-term strategic disaster recovery plans. These activities include restoration and rebuilding initiatives, disaster social services (to address essential living needs, medical expenses or funeral costs), and in-kind donation distribution to disaster victims.

Spiritual and Emotional Care

Throughout the duration and aftermath of a major disaster, The Salvation Army provides spiritual comfort and emotional support upon request to victims and emergency workers coping with the stress of a catastrophe. Salvation Army counselors, who are often ordained as clergy (officers), may simply offer a "ministry of presence," but often people who know about The Salvation Army as representatives of God may ask for prayer or help from the Bible. As is true with all Salvation Army Services, disaster relief and recovery services are provided to all in need without discrimination.

Advocacy

We work closely with other disaster relief organizations and government agencies to maximize our impact and avoid duplicating services. We are also an active member of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD) and work with state and Federal agencies to provide assistance.

Meal Services

Our mobile kitchens travel the streets to provide hot meals to survivors and relief workers. We also set up meal stations near busy work sites or in community buildings where neighbors and volunteers gather for support.

Identification/Registration

During a major disaster, time is of the essence in letting families know their loved ones are safe. We locate survivors and provide information to their family and friends through our Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Network (SATERN).

Disaster Shelter

In major disasters, we set up hubs that provide shelter, meals and counseling, often working with other agencies. When the best option is a short-term hotel stay, we cover the bill.

Reconstruction

In major disasters, we can coordinate or assist with cleanup and reconstruction. We have troops of volunteers to enlist for large projects like this. We also provide hundreds of thousands of clean-up kits to disaster survivors annually so they are able to get started on the road to recovery.

Financial Assistance

We know it won?t undo what?s been lost, but we can offer financial help as a step toward a brighter future. We have short-term grants for medicine, groceries and other pressing needs. When the road back to normal is a bit longer, we partner with other agencies to give you long-term financial help. You never have to worry about repaying anything we give.

Volunteer Staffing

We recruit, train and deploy disaster volunteers, sometimes by the thousands. We also help coordinate community volunteers during large-scale efforts.

Your help will do more than help rebuild homes?It will repair lives.

helps

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Become a Volunteer

We need people like you, ready and willing to help at any moment, to join our team. To be considered for service you will need some training and education. We are always seeking skilled retired or semi-retired professionals to serve in a number of leadership functions.

Become a Volunteer

Donate

Help weather the storm before it starts. A donation today ensures we're ready and waiting for tomorrow.

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Spread the Word

Turn your passion into action. Share these facts with your friends and
followers to educate and inspire change.

Natural Disasters have tremendous financial impact, too.

Insured losses due to natural disasters in the United States total about $15 billion a year.

A $50 donation to The Salvation Army buys 10 gallons of fresh water for disaster victims and first responders. Donate now.

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Disaster displaces millions.

Every year, over 90 million people are effected by natural disasters.

A $50 donation to The Salvation Army buys 20 tarps for families who have lost their homes. Donate now.

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The Salvation Army brings immediate help, continued hope and long-term healing to disaster survivors, home and abroad.

Watch how we provide rescue and relief to communities effected by disaster.

Other Ways We Meet Needs