Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code

Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code
Volunteer in this Community
Ways we help in this Community
Donate to this Community
Hear More from this Community

Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code
Emergency Disaster Services Image

Emergency Disaster Services

Providing physical, emotional and spiritual comfort in times of disaster

Disasters have become an all too familiar occurrence in our communities. Whether natural or man-made, they leave a wake of devastation for those involved.

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services program (EDS) seeks to provide physical, emotional and spiritual comfort in times of disaster. Our disaster volunteers are trained to assist in all kinds of emergencies by providing food, clothing, shelter or financial resource to those affected by such calamity. Mobile Feeding Units known as "canteens" are a familiar sight to firemen, policemen and victims alike, serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and complete meals.

Working with local emergency management and other community disaster organizations, The Salvation Army collaborates with many community and government agencies to provide the best possible services to those in need.

 

How Can You Help?

The best way to help in the case of disaster is through monetary donations. This allows us to direct funds into the heart of the disaster without hesitation.

Provide hope & healing to those affected by disaster!

 


 

Read a first-hand story from The Salvation Army’s Disaster Relief Efforts!

Captain Bryan DeMichael reflects back on 9/11 Attack Relief Efforts

On September 11, 2001, our nation watched in horror as the tragedy of that day unfolded before our eyes. Attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a downed plane in Shanksville, PA, reminded us of the evil that exists in our world. We saw darkness fall upon so many families and individuals. As a member of The Salvation Army, I have been given the opportunity to be a part of our response in two of those locations.

The last week of September in 2001, I spent time in New York City serving those at Ground Zero. I can still picture the sight and remember the smell that was in the air. For four nights, we worked the 6:00-12:00 a.m. shift, serving those who were in the fight. I remember the stories of the brave NYPD and NYFD who were looking for survivors and some of their own brothers. I can recall the story of the young lady about my age at the time who would have been in the plaza, on her way to college classes when the planes hit, but only missed it because her alarm clock didn’t go off that morning. For those hours, we were offering food, water and a listening ear. Fellow Salvation Army personnel worked at the morgue, helping people identify loved ones; some were the hands and feet of Jesus as they took off burned boots and socks and equipped those who continued in the fight.

In another assignment—Greensburg, PA—our disaster services canteen was the first on the scene in Shanksville. I heard stories from the volunteers that served who were told they would be there for the duration of the event—and they were. They were there when families were taken to the scene to see the final resting place of their loved ones. It was a tremendous honor when the Flight 91 memorial was dedicated and our whole team was invited back to recognize the role they had played in serving those families and rescue workers at the scene.

As I look back on 9/11, I’m reminded of Romans 12:21, which tells us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” That message was true on that day and it is still true today. Let us remember those who lost their lives that day by continuing to fight for good and in doing so, overcome evil.