The Salvation Army initiates emergency disaster response to Hurricane Ida

As the initial effects of Hurricane Ida are being felt, The Salvation Army is activating a massive operation to meet immediate need through feeding, sheltering, emotional and spiritual care, and other services for survivors and first responders. A network of trained disaster staff and volunteers is on the ground in Louisiana and surrounding states. With more than 7,600 centers of operation across the country, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to mobilize and serve communities before, during, and after a natural strikes.

Hurricane Ida made landfall on Sunday, August 29 as a category 4 hurricane and brought with it sustained winds, torrential rain, and dangerous storm surge to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and additional communities along the Gulf Coast.

"We are looking at a major relief operation that could span many weeks," said William Trueblood, emergency disaster services director of The Salvation Army's Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi Division. "With the numerous assets being sent in from surrounding states, we are well prepared to start helping those in need. Power is still out in most of southern Louisiana and roads are continuing to flood, but we are working to overcome those obstacles and make the most impact we possibly can. Financial donations are always appreciated and go a long way toward helping us reach those hit hardest by the storm."

Disaster Preparedness Overview (August 30, 2021 | As of 3 p.m. ET)

• Staging centers for relief supplies and assets have been established in Beaumont, TX and Jackson, MS
• Three incident management teams have been deployed to Louisiana, two staging from New Orleans and one in Gonzales.
• Over 140,000 meals are already prepared for distribution
• As many as 55 mobile feeding units are being deployed to serve food, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care to survivors and first responders.
  • Each mobile feeding unit can serve 500 to 1,500 meals per day.
• The Salvation Army is working in partnership with the Southern Baptists who will be deploying three field kitchens with the capacity to serve 15,000 meals
• Fixed Corps locations are being prepared to provide feeding and other needed support to those affected.
• Salvation Army disaster personnel are collaborating with federal, state, and local emergency management agencies and other partners to respond to and monitor potential impacts and evolve response efforts as needed.

For more information on The Salvation Army's continued response, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. To make a financial gift to support Hurricane Ida relief:

• Visit helpsalvationarmy.org
• Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Text GIVE to 52000 to donate $10 automatically through your cell phone bill

For more information, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org