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Financial aid, casework and community projects planned for storm ravaged South
In April and May 2011, tornadoes, floods and other severe weather tore across the southern United States leaving many people dead and many more homeless and hungry. In service to the survivors, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team provided immediate material, emotional, and spiritual care to thousands. As the disaster operation transitions from response into long-term recovery, The Salvation Army will continue to support relief efforts. Over the next 12 months, the Army will utilize approximately $6 million to help alleviate ongoing hardships faced by the individuals and families who lost so much.
Recovery funding will be allocated among the four Salvation Army divisions most affected by the severe storms and employed in communities in eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Depending on local needs, funds will be utilized as direct financial assistance for survivors, to fund additional response staff positions, and for signature community projects to be determined by local community leaders and Salvation Army personnel.
“Through the provision of financial assistance, casework, and long-term community building, The Salvation Army will ensure that survivors have the tools necessary to restore their lives,” said Jeff Jellets, The Salvation Army’s Southern Territorial Disaster Coordinator. “The Salvation Army has served in the United States for more than 130 years. We were here before the storms and we will be here long after meeting needs in the local community.”
The four Salvation Army divisions included in this plan are:
ALM Division (Serving Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi)
- Total Allocation: $3.25 Million
- $2.25 million for direct disaster recovery assistance
- $1 million for community projects
KTN Division (Serving Kentucky, Tennessee & Northwest Georgia)
- Total Allocation: $1.5 Million
- $1 million for direct disaster recovery assistance
- $500,000 for community projects
GEO Division (Serving Georgia)
- Total Allocation: $1 Million
- $750,000 for direct disaster recovery assistance
- $250,000 for community projects
AOK Division (Serving Arkansas & Oklahoma)
- Total Allocation: $250,000
- $250,000 for direct disaster recovery assistance
As of July 5, The Salvation Army’s Southern Territory had raised approximately $11 million dollars for April and May tornado, flood and severe storm relief. Following the storms, The Salvation Army committed $3 million to response efforts and has now allocated an additional $6 million to long-term recovery efforts over the next 12 months. As communities rebuild and survivors’ needs change, The Salvation Army will adjust its long-term recovery plan and allocate all remaining funds and any additional April and May 2011 storm relief funds received to help ensure that its services continue to meet people’s greatest needs.
To learn more about The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services program, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
From a Southern Territorial news release.
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