The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania Joins Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
Hurricane Helene has caused catastrophic damage in states across the southeast. The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania has joined the relief efforts through sending supplies and disaster relief personnel to aid in assistance. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services of Western Pennsylvania has deployed several experienced disaster relief experts to Georgia, including Adam Kitta, Assistant Director of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services of Western Pennsylvania.
“I wanted to go down to Georgia to assist in providing some type of support and comfort to those who have been devastated by Hurricane Helene,” Kitta said.
Adam Kitta is joined in Georgia by Major Dorothy Budd, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army of Beaver Falls, Pa. and the Beaver County Coordinator, as well as Lieutenant Tom Perez, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army of Washington, Pa.
“I’ve been in situations that have felt hopeless,” Major Budd shared. “There is a toll it takes on you being overwhelmed by stress. It’s my prayer that they find relief and that hope is present.”
Major Budd, Lt. Perez, and Adam Kitta will participate in the Emergency Disaster Services network to provide mass feeding, sheltering, clean-up support, personal hygiene kits, and emotional and spiritual care to survivors and first responders. Lt. Perez is passionate about the need for emotional and spiritual care in recovery.
“No one deserves to suffer through this alone,” Lt. Perez said. “I’m here to let them know that even though I don’t know them, I love and care for them. We will get through this together.”
In addition to sending personnel, The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania has delivered eight pallets of flood kits to Philadelphia, PA, to be combined with other emergency supplies to be dispatched to impacted areas across the southeast. As of Oct. 1, 2024, The Salvation Army has served 42,882 hot meals, 10,877 meal kits, 35,300 drinks and 19,579 snacks from 59 active mobile feeding units in five states. Salvation Army caregivers have provided emotional and spiritual care to 2,886 people and so far, 208 trained Salvation Army disaster workers have given 8,764 hours of service.
As relief efforts expand, so does the need for financial support. The best way to help is by donating either online at www.HelpSalvationArmy.org, over the phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769), or by mail. Mailed checks should be designated as Disaster Relief—Hurricane Relief and sent to: The Salvation Army, P.O. box 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301. Visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/HeleneFastFacts to view the latest statistics on The Salvation Army’s response.