The Salvation Army fights to serve Virgin Islands
Help Continues Despite Shortages
In one of the worst Hurricane seasons in a decade, The Salvation Army is unwavering in its continued efforts to serve those affected by the storms. For Hurricane Irma and Maria, which obliterated much of Puerto Rico’s and the U.S. Virgin Islands’ infrastructure, The Salvation Army overcomes supply chain challenges to ensure priority needs are met. Prepared for delivery, The Salvation Army will be shipping to the areas of greatest need:
· 112,680 bottles of water
· 6,720 meals ready to eat
· 2 pallets of tarps
· 5 cases of water filtration
· 4,530 snacks ready to eat
· 1,000 cases of organic baby food
“We have truly turned a corner, today, to persevere and deliver hope and help to our neighbors in need,” said Michael Orfitelli, Territorial Coordinator of Emergency Disaster Services. “We are grateful for the continued generosity of our donors and partners. These gifts provide food, supplies, and emotional and spiritual care to those affected by the devastating weather events.”
Some key updates for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands are (as of 9.28.17):
· In Puerto Rico
o Despite limited availability of resources of water, gas, and food, The Salvation Army is fighting to meet the needs of San Juan, Loiza, Fajardo, Humacao, Guayama, Ponce, Areciro, Mayaguez, Penuelas, and Caguas.
o In total, nearly 270,200 meals and snacks have been distributed to those in need since the impact of Hurricane Irma.
· In St. Thomas
o In St. Thomas, The Salvation Army has partnered with the Dutch Reform Church to serve almost 65,000 meals and snacks, along with delivering food, water, and supply boxes to the poorest communities on the Island. These resources are delivered to nursing homes, one skilled care facility, and shelters of the American Red Cross and Catholics Charities.
o In St. Thomas, The Salvation Army is serving nearly 5,500 families daily.
· In St. John
o The Salvation Army is partnering with a local cafe to serve 1,000 families each day.
· In St. Croix
o The Salvation Army is serving nearly 1,000 families each day.
With a permanent footprint in the affected communities, The Salvation Army Disaster Services will continue to provide assistance until the need is met and beyond.
How People Can Help
Response efforts to this hurricane and flooding are expected be costly and last for years. The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation.
Online:
Donate By Phone:
1-800-SAL-ARMY
Text to Give:
STORM to 51555
Mail Checks - ** Please designate “Hurricane 2017” on all checks.
The Salvation Army
PO Box 1959
Atlanta, GA 30301
About The Salvation Army Disaster Services
The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to serve those impacted by the storm, however long it takes, because they are there before, during, and after impact. Beyond serving immediate physical needs, they also meet the emotional and spiritual needs that are unique to catastrophic events. The Salvation Army:
· Delivers disaster relief to an average of 382,000 people annually.
· Serves every ZIP code in the United States and touches almost 25 million lives a year.
· Has served survivors of every major national disaster since 1900.
· Remains in communities until needs are met and beyond.