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Isaac strikes on seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
By Jared McKiernan
As Hurricane Isaac pounded the Gulf Coast with torrential rain and wind gusts of up to 100 mph, Salvation Army personnel responded quickly, actively serving residents of hurricane-impacted areas at seven shelters, all at capacity. At least four deaths were reported in Louisiana and Mississippi as of Aug. 31.
The Salvation Army has served 1,500 people, a number expected to rapidly increase, according to Major Terry Ray, Gulf Coast Area Commander.
“We’re just trying to always be ready to take in those in need and share the love of Jesus with all,” Ray said.
The Army provided hot lunches to survivors Aug. 28, and is working to dole out drinking water, first-aid supplies, hygiene kits, and clean-up kits containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies to those experiencing flooding in their homes.
Aside from providing basic necessities, the Army is also providing emotional and spiritual care to survivors as tensions continue to run high exactly seven years from the day Hurricane Katrina struck.
Ray said the work of The Salvation Army is appreciated by those affected.
“One man said to me, ‘It’s great that [The Salvation Army] always gives people a place to stay and gets them fed, but the most impressive thing is that you guys always provide us with someone to talk to,’” Ray said.
Despite many Gulf Coast residents’ fear that the $15 billion levees constructed after Hurricane Katrina would be doomed, they remain unharmed.
“The federal levee system … is fine,” New Orleans Mayor Mitchell Landrieu told local radio.
The high winds also caused power outages across the Gulf Coast. The Army’s homeless shelter in New Orleans served approximately 200 people in the dark on Aug. 29.
In addition to Hurricane Isaac, the Gulf Coast may have another type of disaster looming as several counties in Mississippi are on tornado watch.
“Those that want to help can help us through their prayers,” Ray said. “And of course we need all the donations we can get to get the resources in for food and other necessities.”
To donate to those affected by this hurricane season, visit salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
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