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Heavy rain cascaded in front of The Salvation Army San Diego Kroc Center Jan. 22, part of what the National Weather Service would later call the fourth wettest day on record in San Diego history.
As waters rose, Health and Wellness Manager Jay Lancaster noticed a man who had become stranded just outside of the Kroc Center.
“At one point, the man was inside his pickup, and in a matter of minutes he had to stand on the roof of his truck,” he said.
Lancaster said he rushed inside to retrieve lifeguard equipment from the pool, where he joined Sami Cerney, a lifeguard at the Kroc Center. Together, they returned to the flood scene to pursue the rescue.
He said they didn’t have time to develop a full plan—but they recognized the urgent need to assist. “It was very instinctual,” he said.
As a certified lifeguard, Cerney entered the rising waters secured with a rope and rescue float, while Lancaster served as an anchor and guide in a shallower area. Maintenance staff at the Kroc Center then helped guide all three to stable land.
Salvation Army San Diego Communications Manager Jake Minger witnessed the scene unfold and captured it on video. He said he’d never seen anything like it in his three years working there.
“It was astonishing,” Minger said. “The teamwork was unparalleled, and clear communication made the whole process as safe and smooth as possible.”
Once on land, they brought the man inside the Kroc Center to offer him hot chocolate, dry clothing and prayer.
“We made him feel comfortable and despite the tragic situation, he just lit up and had a smile on his face,” Lancaster said. “He was delighted to be surrounded by people who offered love and care.”
Similar incidents unfolded throughout San Diego during the flood, where weather reports indicated an overwhelming amount of rainfall—equivalent to over three months’ worth—fell within six hours.
The flood impacted 644 homes and structures as of Jan. 30, according to a report from The Salvation Army Southern California Division Emergency/Disaster Services.
Salvation Army Divisional Secretary for San Diego County Major Rob Reardon said The Salvation Army stood ready to mobilize its supportive services due to its already present positioning within communities in San Diego.
“As The Salvation Army, we live and breathe in the community,” Reardon said. “We’re here during good times, and when a disaster strikes we’re on the ground as well.”
As floodwaters subsided, The Salvation Army San Diego began long-term recovery support for those who were impacted, collaborating with around two dozen outreach services at a pop-up Local Assistance Center at the Spring Valley Library.
There, The Salvation Army offers emotional and spiritual care, access to other resources and financial assistance. Reardon said the response is ongoing and The Salvation Army will remain stationed there until they are no longer needed.
According to Reardon, as of Jan. 31, The Salvation Army has provided more than $18,000 in gift cards for lodging assistance, In-N-Out and Salvation Army Thrift Stores. Additionally, The Salvation Army has distributed 2,629 articles of clothing.
“We’re working with other agencies in the community to ensure no needs go unmet,” Reardon said. “Working together to serve the community creates an atmosphere of hope, of gratefulness and gratitude among those we’re serving.”
Reardon said they have encountered diverse needs, with many individuals dealing with water damage in their homes that can result in mold. Others are facing the complications of displacement and lost or damaged items.
In an effort to involve the community in the recovery process, The Salvation Army collaborated with news outlet CBS 8 for a live telethon Jan. 31 to raise money for those affected.
The call-in event raised $59,000 in one day from donations, with ongoing online contributions upping the total to over $100,000 raised.
Reardon said the funds will allow for the continued support for those who are impacted as they rebuild. He said the money raised demonstrates The Salvation Army’s active presence and the community’s ability to unite and provide support during challenging times.
“It’s an example of the strength in collective efforts and highlights our dedication to the community,” he said.
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- See how The Salvation Army fights disaster.
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