The Salvation Army Expanding Relief Effort Throughout Columbiana County, OH
Local residents worried about tainted water supplies, shortage of bottled water, and emergency aid
As the massive clean-up effort continues following the 50-car train derailment in East Palestine, OH, on February 3rd, 2023, The Salvation Army has expanded its relief effort to areas throughout Columbiana County to meet the needs of affected communities. The Salvation Army continues providing food, spiritual care, and other assistance to families impacted by this event.
“It has been close to a month since the derailment, and the needs in the East Palestine community are greater than ever. Residents are concerned about the safety of being in their homes. Fears around tainted water supplies have created concerns about using the water for drinking and bathing,” stated Captain Gene Spence, Commanding Corps Officer at The Salvation Army in Salem.
“The Salvation Army will not just be here to help residents through this disaster; we’re here 24-7 to provide water and cleaning supplies and to be a listening ear of support. We are an integral part of this community and will always be here to help our neighbors in need. The outpouring of support from the people in Ohio and across America has been inspiring and shows us that East Palestine is loved and will be supported through the long-term recovery effort,” continued Captain Spence.
The Salvation Army in East Liverpool is now coordinating relief operations in southern Columbiana County. Residents needing aid can contact The Salvation Army Corps Community Center at 413 East 4th Street, East Liverpool, OH 43920, by calling (330) 385-2086.
“We are now starting to see the long-term effect of the derailment. East Liverpool, Wellsville, and Calcutta residents fear that recent rain has spread the contaminants to local water supplies,” noted Major Stephanie Larrick, Commanding Corps Officer at The Salvation Army in East Liverpool. “As a result, our Corps Community Center will offer daily water case distributions to serve residents in these affected areas. In less than two weeks, we have distributed over 500 cases of water and expect to see this number continue to increase over the upcoming weeks.”
Since the derailment, The Salvation Army has been onsite providing care to East Palestine residents & first responders:
- 192 Meals Served provided to residents & first responders.
- 393 Drinks were provided to residents & first responders.
- 679 Snacks were provided to residents & first responders.
- 2,054 Clean-up kits distributed to residents.
- 7,413 Cleaning Supplies distributed to residents.
- 126 Hygiene Kits distributed to residents.
- 161 Articles of Clothing were provided to residents.
- Over 6,900 people served.
- Over 7,300 Households helped.
- Transported five individuals from the Shelter back to their Homes.
- 91 Emotional and Spiritual Care Support Contacts Provided.
- 11,796 cases of Water distributed to residents.
If you would like to make a donation to help support the East Palestine community, please call (216) 623-7449 or visit SalvationArmyOhio.org.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,000 centers of operation around the country. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of "America's Favorite Charities" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.