25 January 2016

Supporters Can Donate by Texting “WATER” to 91999

FLINT, Mich. (Jan. 22, 2016) – To help address the growing needs of residents impacted by the Flint Water Crisis, The Salvation Army of Genesee County is expanding its service to the community and providing an opportunity for Salvation Army supporters across the nation to help fund vital response efforts.

The Salvation Army of Genesee County is accepting donations via smartphone by texting “WATER” to 91999. Working in conjunction with other Flint-based service organizations, The Army is collecting funds to help purchase water, filters and pay delinquent water bills for residents who have received shutoff notifications. Donations will also be used to provide additional services related to the water crisis in the community as they arise.

Flint Water Crisis utility assistance is an extension of the regular, ongoing support The Army offers to individuals and families in need. Last year, The Salvation Army of Genesee County provided nearly $1.4 million in water-related emergency assistance, 68 percent of which went to Flint residents. The Salvation Army of Genesee County is currently working with residents in resolving non-Flint Water Crisis payment issues – at an average of $843 per client – through grants from the CS Mott Foundation and United Way of Genesee County.

"Providing water assistance has been particularly challenging due to the amount of the bills and the lack of funding to provide significant assistance in this area,” said Captain Caleb Senn, Genesee County Coordinator.  “Many of the water bills that we see are significantly higher than the amount of assistance we can provide. The situation is amplified by the water quality issue and the hold on billing, which have generated an overwhelming number of requests for help.”

In addition to texting “WATER” to 91999, The Salvation Army of Genesee County is also accepting donations via:

• Web: http://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/genesee/flint_water_crisis or www.salmich.org
• Phone: 877-SAL-MICH
• Mail:
       The Salvation Army
       Flint Water Crisis
       211 W. Kearsley
       Flint, MI 48502
• Water: Wrapped & palletized donations of more than 100 cases of water are being accepted, please contact Chuck McDougall at chuck_mcdougall@usc.salvationarmy.org

Other in-kind donations (clothing or household goods) are not being accepted for the water crisis, however; your local Salvation Army is always in need of gently used items for resale in our Thrift & Family Stores. For the nearest location, please go to satruck.org .

The Salvation Army of Genesee County is also partnering with the American Red Cross of East Central Bay-Michigan to mobilize volunteers to distribute water, filters and test kits; assemble test kits; handle data entry and serve as warehouse workers and managers. Volunteer opportunities and registration are available via: http://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/genesee.

In addition to the Red Cross and United Way, The Salvation Army of Genesee County is working closely with the Catholic Charities of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in responding to the Flint Water Crisis.