PRESS RELEASE
Latest from the Assessment Team in Haiti
January 15, 2010 – The Salvation Army’s first assessment team landed in Haiti at Cape Haitian last night and is on their way to the capital city Port-au-Prince. Major Tom Louden and his team drove three hours Thursday night on treacherous roads severely damaged by the earthquake, saying their car shook constantly as they could only travel on average up to 20mph on the torn up streets.
They reported having to dodge holes in the road the size of “semi trucks,” trying carefully not to get too close to the edge of the cliffs where there were no guard rails for protection. Major Louden described Haiti looking as if it was hit by a bomb – houses are destroyed everywhere, and people are walking around aimlessly, spilling over into the streets and preventing traffic from being able to pass through.
Major Louden said he has never seen anything like this in his life. Imagine – already seeing such destruction when he and the team aren’t even to Port-au-Prince yet, which was much closer to the earthquake’s epicenter and suffers even more damage.
As the team hopefully arrives in Port-au-Prince soon, another team from The Salvation Army left for Haiti from Ft. Lauderdale this morning at 7am, along with a plane full of cargo. We are praying they will be able to land in Port-au-Prince and administer aid and supplies as soon possible. Art Stevenson from Ft. Lauderdale is serving as their pilot. We’re incredibly thankful for the blessing he is in helping to get our teams to Haiti.
The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
The Salvation Army is also asking donors to assist relief efforts in a new way by texting “HAITI” to 52000 on their mobile phones. The text message will automatically provide a $10 donation to disaster relief efforts in Haiti. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
