Hurricanes Hit Hard: The Salvation Army Responds in Love
STORY CONTRIBUTORS: Shelley Henderson, Eric Short, Karen Yoho, Michelle Hartfield, Aimee Murry, Jay Pritchard, Leon Farraez III, Nathan Lawson, Deanne Jones, Steve Dick, Maria Matheus, Christine Rogers, Mason Mayer, Janelys Villalta, Brent Rinehart, Brad Rowland
On September 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall on the Florida coast as a Category 4 hurricane, the strongest-ever hurricane to strike the Big Bend region of Florida. In a matter of hours, the catastrophic storm left far-reaching damage across the Southeastern United States, directly impacting the states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, and West Virginia.
Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on October 9, once again leaving destruction in its wake. The Salvation Army prepared a thorough Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) response prior to the arrival of each storm, deployed quickly to meet the sizable need, and will continue its comprehensive efforts long after the initial response.
"The 2024 hurricane season has been historic in terms of its impact on communities all across the Southeast, and The Salvation Army’s response has been equally historic,” said Jeff Jellets, EDS coordinator for the Southern Territory. “We’ve mobilized teams not just from our territory, but the Eastern Territory, Central Territory, and Canada and Bermuda Territory, and these disaster workers have been performing life-changing work.”
As of October 14, The Salvation Army has served more than 385,000 meals, provided 38,000 meal kits, 191,000 drinks, and 168,000 snacks from 43 active mobile feeding units in response to Hurricane Helene. In addition, caregivers have provided emotional and spiritual care to more than 36,000 people, and 72 trained Salvation Army disaster workers have given more than 50,000 hours of service.
The scope of Helene’s impact was wide-ranging, leading The Salvation Army to deploy dedicated response teams in six states (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia). In addition to storm surge, flooding, and power outages, the storm created unprecedented distress in the southern Appalachians, including devastating flooding in Western North Carolina.
In Buncombe County, NC, an 11-year-old boy named Connor sprang into action alongside The Salvation Army, using his bike to check on neighbors and deliver much-needed supplies and meals to those in need after Helene left thousands without power and water for an extended period of time.
In another example of the sweeping response, The Salvation Army distributed more than 1,600 meals per day in Mercer County, WV at the height of the response. In East Tennessee, The Salvation Army deployed its newly acquired FORTS (Fold-Out Rigid Temporary Shelter) unit for the first time in the Kentucky & Tennessee Division, utilizing the structure as an Incident Command Post to meet the growing need. South Georgia and Florida were also greatly impacted by Helene’s wrath, and The Salvation Army’s disaster relief partners were vital not only in amplifying the message that the Army is here to help, but also coming alongside in service.
For example, The Salvation Army’s ongoing partnership with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief field kitchens continues to be fruitful and critical in preparing and distributing food to all who need it. Midwest Food Bank is also a crucial long-term partner, and the list of passionate individuals and groups who have stood with The Salvation Army during this response is tremendous.
East Tennessee State University provided a critical donation of meals to spur the local relief effort. Mayor Harold Johnson of Sparks, GA stood alongside The Salvation Army’s efforts in and around his community. Southern Territorial Leaders Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart joined the EDS response in East Tennessee, serving and encouraging survivors as well as those deployed for relief efforts. Actresses Alexa PenaVega and Taylor Dooley joined with The Salvation Army in Mountain City, TN on October 10 to serve and help to bring encouragement to survivors and first responders. Miss Tennessee Volunteer 2025, Hannah McKay, volunteered in Newport, TN where 250 meals were distributed to flood survivors. Therapy dog Duncan and his handler, Tina, served with Canines for Christ in Florida, with Duncan’s affectionate nature bringing encouragement and calm to both survivors and disaster services personnel.
With Helene’s arrival, Florida’s Big Bend region was struck by its third hurricane in a 13-month period, leaving many residents shellshocked and seeking guidance. Many expressed gratitude for The Salvation Army’s dedication to serving after each storm.
“Thank you for showing up,” a local resident named Jennifer said. “You made us feel like we’re not alone.”
As with any disaster relief response, fundraising is a critical aspect, with thousands contributing to support the comprehensive effort. Audacy, an international, multi-platform audio content and entertainment company, launched a media and fundraising campaign across the Carolinas. Gray Media launched a nationwide relief campaign in partnership with The Salvation Army, enabling a swift response to meet the urgent needs of impacted communities. “We are truly grateful to our viewers for their overwhelming generosity and willingness to support their neighbors during this time of tremendous need,” said Sandy Breland, COO of Gray Media.
Hurricane Milton’s arrival soon after Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact only exacerbated the need in several parts of Florida, and the Army’s response efforts are still ramping up as of the print deadline for this month’s Southern Spirit. On October 13, The Salvation Army participated in a multi-agency emergency supply distribution event with the Florida National Guard and Walmart. Florida Governor Ron De- Santis visited the operation to show his solidarity with the community and express his appreciation for the relief workers.
As of October 14, more than one million homes in Florida were still without power, and The Salvation Army served more than 28,000 hot meals, more than 2,700 meal kits, more than 20,000 drinks, and more than 12,000 snacks in direct response to Milton. That number will continue to grow as the relief effort persists.
“Whether it is meals, drinks, emergency supplies, or comfort and solace, I am so grateful to all those who have answered the call to serve and reaffirmed The Salvation Army’s commitment to always be there when people need us the most,” Jellets said.
The Salvation Army’s work in Emergency Disaster Services continues to prove incredibly impactful, and the EDS effort also operates firmly within the organization’s overarching mission. That was on display as a shining and poignant example in Hickory, NC, where The Salvation Army’s Shelter of Hope serves year-round as a place of refuge for many in need.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Mary and her adult son, Mark, came to the shelter after Mark was forced to flee his home due to catastrophic flooding. Shortly after he left his home in Black Mountain, Mark watched helplessly as his home and belongings were entirely washed away.
When he informed his mother, Mary had a simple direction. “Just get to The Salvation Army,” she said. “They will be there to help.”
That clear message, in conjunction with the oft-used motto of “Hope is on the Way,” resonates with The Salvation Army’s sweeping response to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. It also syncs perfectly as the Army continues its aim to meet human need in His name without discrimination.
