PRESS RELEASE
Hugo Tornado: Nine Months Later
March 3, 2009 – The Salvation Army is winding down its service to Hugo, Minn. households affected by the May 2008 tornado that damaged or destroyed more than 300 homes.
To date, The Salvation Army has helped 53 households pay portions of their roof repairs, mortgage payments, sod replacement and other unexpected expenses associated with the catastrophe.
The Salvation Army and the Hugo Long Term Recovery (LTR) committee will continue providing assistance for several more months.
"The Salvation Army is wrapping up in Hugo because most of the survivors have been served, and because we must ready ourselves for new disasters that might occur when spring arrives,” said Chrissie Morrison, who leads The Salvation Army’s Hugo response.
The Salvation Army and the Hugo LTR will devote much of their remaining resources to helping affected households pay for new sod.
“Some households still have shards of glass hiding in their yards,” Morrison said.
The Hugo LTR committee includes city representatives, and support agencies such as the Hugo Lion’s Club, local church groups, United Way, Lutheran Disaster Response, The Salvation Army and others.
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. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
