In It for the Long Haul: Loving (long) Beyond Disaster
The Salvation Army has long provided aid in the face of disasters of all size and scale, in the midst of the initial chaos to ensure immediate, basic needs are met.
In the early days of a crisis, individuals impacted are still reeling from the original impact and figuring out a swift plan. The Salvation Army shows up in full force to respond with trained staff and volunteers, providing meals, gift cards, spiritual care, resources and other necessary support services.
But what about when the initial phase of responding to the disaster is over? The media coverage has wound down and many people have moved on to “what’s next.” But what many don’t realize is that we don’t leave until the work is done – whether it require days, months or years of service, The Salvation Army rolls up their sleeves to continue the work. Long-term recovery support is provided when individuals and families need help developing recovery plans, case management, rebuilding assistance, and other supportive services to get to safe, sanitary and stable conditions. It is our honor and duty to walk alongside disaster survivors until their long-term recovery plans are complete.
In 2022, when regional flooding impacted urban communities in St. Louis that had never seen flooding of this magnitude, The Salvation Army was there. Due to failing sewer systems and other factors, torrential rain caused flash flooding in many communities, some underserved and under-resourced. After the water receded and the region went back to business as usual, thousands of households were left with unmet needs. The Salvation Army began the work of long-term disaster recovery with residents, working to return to pre-flood conditions. Through case management, collaboration with other non-governmental organizations, construction efforts, hard work and dedication, The Salvation Army helped hundreds of households recover from flood damage.
Among dozens of survivor stories from the 2022 flooding, one Salvation Army client’s home was destroyed. He, his girlfriend and their two children, have had to live in a friend’s basement since July 2022. For this family, life has been difficult adjusting to this new season. After meeting with them, our case workers were able to secure new clothing and basic items for the family, as well as provide new mattresses through our Disaster Case Management Program. We also enrolled them in The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program to continue their recovery and completed an Adopt-a-Family application for the household.
Now, in November 2024, after heavy rainfall accumulating nearly 10+ inches in less than 48 hours, we’re faced with severe flooding again in the St. Louis metro area. The cleanup associated with this flooding is again anticipated to be long-term.
Sara White,
Social Services Project Manager
“It is so critical to walk with survivors through each phase of the disaster until they are fully recovered from its impact,” said Sara White, Social Services Project Manager. “To hear ‘thank you’ from a survivor who is smiling through tears, when they have the opportunity to admire their home’s repairs, see replaced belongings and dry and safe spaces, it is a reminder of what ‘doing the most good’ means. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to give back to our community in this way.”
The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Hub is always accepting new volunteers. Training and credentials are provided, and we encourage folks to sign up now and be ready to help when the next disaster strikes.
In addition, monetary donations are needed to support ongoing, long-term disaster recovery right here in Missouri and Southern Illinois. Donate now to support these ongoing efforts.