16 March 2016

As flood waters recede and many residents in Northwest Louisiana are being allowed back into their homes, Salvation Army volunteers are in the neighborhoods serving meals to residents, recovery workers, and first responders.   The Shreveport Salvation Army Canteen has been joined by a canteen from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Command as we continue disaster service in Caddo and Bossier Parishes.  It is estimated that almost 3700 homes in Caddo and Bossier Parishes received damage as a result of the flooding on bayous, creeks, lakes and rivers.   Webster and Bienville Parishes continue to have homes and people who can only be reached by boats.

     The Salvation Army has served over 5,000 meals to shelters, flood survivors, first responders, and recovery workers since the floods began, distributed 320 cleanup kits, 800 cases of water and 150 food boxes.   Volunteers have stepped forward to help arrange hot meals, make sandwiches, prepare and deliver meals. 

“The Salvation Army will continue to distribute goods at the 200 East Stoner location and through volunteers who are out in the community,” says Major Ed Binnix, Corps Commander. “We received a truck load of food boxes and clean up kits which we will be distributing in the neighborhoods and at the Forward Assistance Centers when they open."

     As recovery continues, The Salvation Army canteens will be out in the neighborhoods with hydration, sandwiches, snacks and cleanup kits for residents who are in need.   We will continue to feed recovery workers and first responders working in the affected neighborhoods.

Financial donations are the best way to support those affected by these devastating tornadoes.  Donations can be made online here or by calling 800-SAL-ARMY, by texting STORM to 51555 or by sending a check to your local Salvation Army, earmarked, Emergency Disaster Services.

While used clothing and used furniture are seldom required during disaster response, these gifts are vitally important in supporting the day-to-day work of The Salvation Army. Please consider giving these items to the local Family Store by dialing 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).
For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or follow the social feed on Twitter at @salarmyeds.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyalm.org.