PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Prepares for Next Phase
of Cedar Rapids Flood Response
July 23, 2008 –The Salvation Army is transitioning to a new phase of its disaster response and recovery work in Cedar Rapids/Linn County, Iowa. The Salvation Army is part of a long-term recovery coalition that is preparing to address the next phase of need, including in-depth assessments, long-term case management and financial assistance to flood-affected households.
The Salvation Army has been on the frontlines since disaster struck last month. In the initial days, efforts concentrated on feeding emergency workers, firefighters, police officers, National Guard troops, volunteer responders and flood-affected residents in shelters and neighborhoods. Once the flood waters receded, the focus turned to supporting cleanup efforts. Cleaning supplies were distributed and canteens served meals in flood-affected neighborhoods and the downtown business district. The Army has served almost 90,000 meals and more than 295,000 snack and hydration items.
The Salvation Army Disaster Recovery Center in Cedar Rapids, which has assisted nearly 2,000 flood-affected households with goods and services since opening on June 30, will be closing to the public on July 31.
The Salvation Army in Cedar Rapids also is working to rebuild its own flooded facility. Cleanup, rebuild and replacements costs are estimated at approximately $500,000. Outside of its own facility loss, Salvation Army officials project the Linn County response will easily be a multi-million dollar, multi-year undertaking.
“This community has experienced widespread devastation. We want people to know we are committed to being a partner in the long-term recovery process,” said Mindy Kayser, director of development and communications for The Salvation Army in Cedar Rapids. “We’re going into this next phase with the confidence we’re headed in the right direction. The Salvation Army has been involved in disaster response and recovery efforts around the world for over 100 years. We also live and work in a terrific community that understands what it means to be a community. Cedar Rapids is going to be a success story.”
The Salvation Army is asking the public to help. To donate, please click the button below or mail a check to 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113.
