Bringing Hope and Healing in Times of Crisis: The Salvation Army's Enduring Commitment
In the face of unpredictable disasters and emergencies, The Salvation Army strives to be a beacon of hope and relief for affected communities. With our established brick-and-mortar locations embedded within local areas, we are always ready to deploy and act during these critical times. Our mission is clear: to serve those in need at the moment of need, in the place of need, for as long as recovery demands.
Our commitment to disaster relief began in September 1900, following a devastating hurricane in Galveston, TX, that claimed thousands of lives. This early intervention solidified our role in providing aid to survivors and supporting first responders. Through robust partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels, The Salvation Army has become one of the most prominent and respected disaster relief organizations both nationally and internationally.
Historical and Recent Response Efforts
For over a century, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) program has been a stalwart presence in times of crisis, aiding individuals, families, and entire communities affected by unforeseen catastrophes. Our efforts have been pivotal in several significant disasters:
9/11 Attacks: We were among the first relief organizations at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001. With our headquarters located less than a mile away, we quickly deployed to serve those in need. Over the next several months, we provided 3.2 million meals to first responders, volunteers, emergency management agencies, and survivors. Our support extended well beyond the initial emergency response.
Hurricane Katrina: In the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, we mobilized over 170 canteen feeding units and 11 field kitchens, serving more than 5.7 million hot meals. Our teams remained active in long-term recovery efforts, offering sustained support to affected communities.
Haiti Earthquake: Following the catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti in 2010, which resulted in approximately 230,000 fatalities, we provided immediate and ongoing support. Our efforts to rebuild continue to this day.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Throughout the pandemic, we remained on the front lines, addressing soaring food insecurity and basic needs as the public faced widespread illness, job losses, and economic instability. We served 224,603,024 meals, provided 1,761,297 nights of shelter, and assisted 2,605,314 families with holiday support.
Northern New England’s Response and Services
In Northern New England, we have recently responded to several significant events with both immediate and long-term care:
2023 Vermont Floods: In July 2023, Vermont experienced catastrophic floods. We mobilized rapidly to provide essential services. Nearly 100 highways were closed statewide, and cities like Barre, Barnet, Plainfield, Lyndonville, and St. Johnsbury were submerged under 4-6 feet of water. We delivered meals, snacks, bottles of water, cleanup kits, clothing, emergency financial assistance, and provided emotional and spiritual support to those affected.
Lewiston, ME Shooting: After the tragic shooting in Lewiston, ME, resulting in the loss of 18 lives and injuries to 13 individuals, we offered immediate and ongoing support, emergency financial assistance, and provided critical emotional and spiritual care.
From high-profile disasters to localized incidents such as hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, fires, floods, missing persons, plane crashes, and gas explosions, The Salvation Army is always present to serve.
Comprehensive Disaster Relief Services
Our disaster relief efforts focus on several core services, which are tailored to meet the unique needs of each disaster:
· Education
· Food Service
· Emotional & Spiritual Care
· Emergency Supply Distribution
· Emergency Financial Assistance
· Donation Management
· Long-Term Recovery Care
These services are designed to adapt to the specific needs of individual survivors, ensuring that we are always prepared to provide effective and compassionate assistance.
Leadership and Preparedness
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services of the Northern New England Division serves Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Equipped with mobile feeding canteens, our teams address immediate needs with food services, toiletry kits, cleanup kits, blankets, infant care kits, and emotional and spiritual care during crises.
Katie Perrett, our newly appointed EDS Director, leads our teams with dedication and expertise. Joining The Salvation Army’s Northern New England team in June, Katie brings 15 years of experience from the Southern New England Division. Her role encompasses overseeing emergency disaster response operations, providing continuous education and training to disaster services teams, and collaborating with local, state, and federal emergency management.
Katie’s leadership was instrumental during the recent 2024 Vermont flooding, where she led the response efforts to provide essential services to heavily impacted areas. With 9.2 inches of rain over just two days, the scale of the disaster required additional support from The Salvation Army’s Eastern Territorial headquarters and neighboring divisions.
Local Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Caitlin Lyle-DeLong, emphasized the emotional impact on the community: “Our main goal is to help people with food, water, and spiritual and emotional comfort during this overwhelming time. This event, occurring on the one-year anniversary of the 2023 flooding, has heightened anxiety for the residents.”
Vermont Flood Response Statistics as of 9/18/2024:
· Meals Delivered: 1,529
· Snacks Provided: 323
· Bottles of Water: 6,771
· Cleanup Kits: 435
· Hygiene Kits: 88
· Gift Cards for Immediate Basic Needs: 312 valuing $28,800
We remain committed to assisting with disaster response and long-term recovery efforts, working to restore and rebuild Vermont communities for months to come.
Supporting Our Mission
Our capacity to provide immediate and long-term disaster relief services is bolstered by public support. NNE Divisional Commander Stewart Dalrymple recognizes the generosity of local businesses and individuals: “We have been profoundly fortunate in Northern New England to have the support of our community.”