Nashville, TN - As The Salvation Army moves into the short-term recovery phase, mass feeding ceased operations on Sunday, May 16th, from our mobile feeding canteens that have been out serving for the past two weeks in communities severely affected by the flooding.
Through Thursday, May 14th, crews have served over 15,000 meals, 18,000 beverages, 10,000 snacks to thousands of individuals. Spiritual and emotional care has been provided to more than 800 individuals. Food distribution has taken place in those neighborhoods hardest hit by the recent flooding. This includes Bellevue, Madison, Morrow/Illinois Avenues, Ashland City, Kingston Springs, and Richards Road mobile park.
The Salvation Army will continue to provide food boxes and clean-up kits as needed. Individuals in need should contact the Emergency Services location at 615-255-0554. The organization will continue to provide clothing as well as assistance with rent and utilities, and help with household items and small appliance purchases.
Major Rob Vincent, The Salvation Army Nashville Area Commander, explained, "We expect the recovery of this ‘1000 Year Flood' to expand well into six months and possibly even a nine month period. Over 12,000 individuals are essentially homeless in Middle Tennessee. Fortunately many of these folks have family and friends that have taken them in, but we do expect individuals to be approaching The Salvation Army in the weeks to come for emergency assistance, which would include help with rent and utilities."
Although The Salvation Army no longer runs an overnight shelter, we do have transitional housing for homeless families. Prior to the floods, we would take in homeless families going through crises such as loss of employment and domestic violence. "We foresee more requests for transitional housing to be from victims of the flood," Major Vincent said.
Linda Meeks, Emergency Services Program Director, stated, "We have given out 1,500 food boxes to families affected by the floods. We have not turned anyone away for assistance which has caused our food pantry shelves to empty fairly quickly." The community is encouraged to make monetary donations or non-perishable food item donations to either our partners, Second Harvest of Middle, TN or directly to The Salvation Army Emergency Services.
Emergency Assistance: Anyone who needs emergency assistance is encouraged to stop by one of the below centers. The Salvation Army is offering food boxes, personal comfort kits (including toiletry) and hygiene items and cleaning kits. This is an ongoing relief effort.
Ways to Help: The best way to help is with a monetary gift. Gifts may be made online at www.SalArmy-Nasvhille.org or checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 78625, Nashville, TN 37207. You may also make a text donation by texting the word "FLOOD" to 90999 and a $10.00 donation will be made to the local Salvation Army.
Donation Drive Events and Partners: For our most up-to-date listing of community donation drives and events, please visit our website at www.salarmy-nashville.org
Please NO used clothes or items.
YouTube PSA: The Salvation Army has put together a PSA for web use only. Follow link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12-5HUYcnb0
For more information, contact The Salvation Army at 242-0411. Follow our updates on Twitter (@SalArmy), Facebook (The Salvation Army - Nashville), or on our blog at www.salarmynashville.wordpress.com.
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About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 128 years in the United States. Nearly 29 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services in 5,000 communities that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Visit us on-line to learn more or to make a donation. www.salvationarmyusa.org
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Eldridge, Director of Marketing
Office: (615) 242-0411 ext. 243 or Cell (615) 416-4218