PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Assists Residents Who
Lost Homes in California Wildfires
November 5, 2007 – The Salvation Army has sent four emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) to one of the most impoverished areas of San Diego, Calif., where hundreds of residents lost their homes in the recent wildfires. In addition, a 30-foot Salvation Army emergency disaster services mobile kitchen has been deployed. The kitchen is capable of serving up to 3,000 meals and snacks a day and brewing 27 gallons of coffee per hour. Salvation Army personnel are assisting at least 200 people taking shelter in a tent city located at the intersection of 94 and Barrett Lake Road. The city includes bathroom facilities, showers and generators.
As of Friday, The Salvation Army has served 120,000 people in response to the wildfires. The Salvation Army also has given out $442,150 in gift cards and vouchers to help residents replace some of what was lost in the fires. To assist residents attempting to sort through the ashes of what is left of their homes, The Salvation Army has distributed shovels, rakes and sifters.
In addition to providing for people’s physical needs, Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel trained in critical incident stress management are providing emotional and spiritual care. The two-person teams drive through burned-out areas providing water, snacks and comfort.
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.
