When a disaster leaves the nation’s front pages, the Salvation Army’s work has only just begun.
As wildfires swept southern California in October, The Salvation Army was immediately on the scene, proving more than 160,000 meals and snacks for thousands of first responders and survivors. But as of Nov. 2, the effort shifted to long–term recovery mode, which emphasizes cleanup, rebuilding, and financial assistance for people who lost their homes to the flames.
It’s a familiar scenario to Salvation Army leaders.
“Only in the last few weeks did we complete our recovery work following the series of wildfires that devastated this region four years ago,” said Lt. Colonel Doug O’Brien, divisional commander in the Army’s Sierra Del Mar Division, which covers San Diego County.
That longterm effort, which cost more than $4 million, worked as a “one–stop shop” for fire survivor. Once applicants’ needs are verified, the Army coordinates with government and non–government agencies to provide for people’s basic needs: food, clothing, and other supplies. Army caseworkers also help survivors with insurance issues, financial challenges, benefit applications, and myriad other special needs.
The process will be the same this time. As of Nov. 2, the Army had received about $360,000 from the public, most in online donations; $503,000 from a local TV telethon; and many pledges from companies and local sports teams.
“We are blessed to have the support of the public and so many wonderful corporate partners to help make this transition from recovery to relief as smooth as possible,” O’Brien said. “We are committed to as much of the rebuilding process as our resources will allow.”
To donate, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1.800.SAL.ARMY.
News taken from the Salvation Army’s USA Western Territory website.
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