The Salvation Army Continues Long-Term Flood Recovery Efforts in Henry County
Since the first hours of the recent flooding in Henry County, The Salvation Army has remained on the front lines of disaster response, providing food, water, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, emotional and spiritual care, and hands-on assistance to hundreds of affected families. As floodwaters receded, The Salvation Army's response shifted into recovery mode, helping residents begin the difficult process of rebuilding their homes and lives.
At the center of the effort is The Salvation Army Henry County Corps in New Castle, which has transformed its gymnasium into a hub of hope and recovery for the community. Volunteers and Salvation Army officers have worked tirelessly to distribute essential supplies and support families facing overwhelming loss.
Envoy Beth Stamper's days have been spent shoulder-to-shoulder with survivors in some of the community's hardest-hit neighborhoods. During a recent visit, Stamper was found in the basement of a flooded home helping remove destroyed belongings, including appliances, furniture, and treasured family keepsakes damaged beyond repair. Her uniform was covered in mud and debris from hours of labor.
Despite the physical exhaustion, Stamper remained focused on serving others. "Today my uniform is covered in mud," she said. "But in the days immediately after the flooding, it was covered in tears. People would put their head on my shoulder and cry as they shared everything they had lost. Sometimes the most important thing we could do was simply listen, pray, and remind them that they were not alone."
For many survivors, that compassion has been as important as practical assistance.
One local resident told Salvation Army workers that she had never experienced anything like this disaster and felt overwhelmed, lost, and nearly hopeless. She shared that the arrival of Salvation Army volunteers changed everything, providing both tangible help and renewed hope when she needed it most.
Since the disaster began, Salvation Army teams have helped hundreds of families with emergency supplies, cleanup assistance, and emotional and spiritual care. Volunteers have spent countless hours mucking out flooded homes, removing damaged belongings, and helping residents take the first steps toward recovery.
The Salvation Army's commitment to Henry County remains steadfast. "The Salvation Army has been serving Henry County for more than 100 years," said Stamper. "We were here before the flood, we were here during the flood, and we will be here long after the disaster is over. Recovery doesn't happen in a day, and our commitment to this community is steadfast.”
As recovery efforts continue, The Salvation Army is encouraging the public to support ongoing disaster relief operations through financial contributions, volunteer service, and prayer for affected families.
SUPPORT FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS
To support The Salvation Army's flood relief efforts in Henry County, visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or contact The Salvation Army Henry County Corps directly. One hundred percent of designated disaster relief donations will be used to support individuals and families impacted by this disaster.
Click HERE to make a donation to the August 2026 Indiana Disaster Response.
The Salvation Army helps meet human needs without discrimination through a broad range of social services, emergency disaster response programs, youth development initiatives, and spiritual ministry. For more than a century, The Salvation Army has faithfully served communities throughout Indiana by providing help, hope, and healing to those in need.