Disaster Relief
The Salvation Army brings immediate help, continued hope, and long term healing to disaster survivors and first responders.
While natural disasters can pull the rug out from under you, you are not alone. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Midland serving Missouri and Southern Illinois respond to disasters with support and love to survivors and first responders, including food, shelter, spiritual support and long-term recovery. The Salvation Army is usually the first organization on the scene, and often the last to leave. Disaster relief and recovery services are provided to all in need without discrimination.
Mattoon, IL Corps Disaster Relief Information
The Salvation Army responds to disasters through:
Support for First Responders
From fires to tornadoes, from rallies to airport drills, The Salvation Army EDS is there to support first responders. Within hours of a disaster and on-hand at major events, we provide meals, beverages, and spiritual support to folks who are doing the most important work - often while their own families are dealing with the effects of a disaster.
Food & Water
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services dispatches mobile kitchens to disasters to provide food, beverages, and snacks to first responders and survivors in the immediate aftermath and recovery phases. During prolonged disaster recovery, The Salvation Army EDS also provides food boxes.
Long-Term Disaster Recovery
Depending on the magnitude of the disaster, The Salvation Army may continue providing support services such as food and shelter. As communities start to recover, The Salvation Army coordinates with local, state and/or national government entities to enact plans. We help survivors navigate disaster social services to address essential needs, medical expenses, insurance processes, and more.
Spiritual & Emotional Care
Disasters can leave people with feelings of anger, sadness, and grief. 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. The Salvation Army staff and volunteers can listen, counsel, pray, or simply offer the gift of presence.
History
The Salvation Army began offering assistance to disaster survivors after a major hurricane hit Galveston, TX in September 1900, destroying the coastal city and killing thousands of people. Since then, The Salvation Army has responded to numerous natural disasters, transportation accidents, civil unrest situations, and terrorist attacks.
By providing beverages, meals, and emotional and spiritual care to first responders and survivors, The Salvation Army strives to bring hope and healing to people who find themselves in the midst of extremely difficult situations.
How You Can Help
Volunteer
We need people like you, ready and willing to help at any moment, to join our team. Become an Emergency Disaster Services volunteer today!
Here's a list of disaster services we may provide and need volunteers for:
- Meal services
- Spiritual ministry
- Counseling
- Identification/registration
- Shelter
- Cleanup and reconstruction
- Financial assistance
- Volunteer staffing
- Advocacy
Give Money or Supplies
In times of disaster, a monetary gift is the best way to offer comfort to survivors, as it allows us to focus on the most pressing need, be it water, meals or recovery supplies.
- Give online
- Mail a check to The Salvation Army, 1130 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139 with “Disaster” written in the memo line
- Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) 24 hours a day
Other Services
