Disaster Relief

Emergency Preparedness

Our experience covers decades of leading recovery efforts — since the 1900 Galveston Hurricane, our trained staff and volunteers have served survivors and first responders of every major disaster.  

We know recovery efforts start before a disaster strikes, and a good plan is key to long-term recovery success. Our program helps to get individuals and communities ready for emergencies. In addition, we also have a disaster preparedness handbook available. 

Immediate Emergency Response

Disasters and emergencies strike without much warning, but you can count on The Salvation Army to be on the spot, providing relief to communities within hours — because we’re already there. 

We work with local organizations and federal authorities. We mobilize to provide people with food, water, and emergency shelter. We provide mobile showers, bottled water, and a clean blanket to anyone in need. We turn our properties into sites of refuge when needed. And we deliver the emotional and spiritual care that first responders and survivors desire.

When Hurricane Harvey brought $125 billion in devastation to the Texas Gulf Coast region, we executed one of the largest disaster-relief operations in our history. The Salvation Army deployed 96 mobile feeding units; served more than 2.8 million meals, drinks, and snacks; and provided more than 400,000 hours of staff and volunteer service.   

 Emotional and Spiritual Care

Some effects of disasters are unseen – many survivors and first responders suffer emotional stress and trauma. The Salvation Army delivers vital emotional and spiritual care they need. That may mean a shoulder for crying or an ear for listening. Other times it calls for a hug and a prayer. No matter what’s needed, The Salvation Army is ready to help.

Read the story of how one family reached out to The Salvation Army’s specially trained emotional and spiritual care providers to navigate life after Hurricane Irma. 
 

Long-Term Disaster Recovery

The Salvation Army provides long-term recovery efforts for as long as we are able. In some cases, this means we continue to help for months, even years, after a disaster. We work with local, state, and federal governments to form a long-term disaster recovery plan. 

The plan is far-reaching and meets basic needs. It addresses restoration and rebuilding projects. It includes the dispersal of emergency financial assistance and donated goods. All to help survivors rebuild their lives. 

When our initial response to Hurricane Katrina ended, we allocated $225 million, donated by the American public for Hurricane Katrina response, to provide long-term disaster recovery, including case management, reconstruction, and support for volunteer rebuild teams. Financial assistance programs also helped with home repair, job training, and other initiatives to aid long-term recovery in communities. 

 Serving All Without Discrimination

In providing its disaster relief programs and services, The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic in accordance with our capacity to help.