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The Salvation Army Carolinas Division Carolinas Division » News » SA Responds in Haiti

Information Updates

While we are still very involved in Haiti and the relief effort there continues, you may begin to see some stories on this feed that are related to other Salvation Army initiatives.  Please continue to follow our National Blog for complete details.  As our National Staff add information, those changes will automatically be reflected on this site.  You will also find video updates at the bottom of this page.

Fashionistas Find Inspiration at The Salvation Army

Let’s face it, times are tough. Families and individuals are looking for ways to save money and spend more responsibly in the midst of a lagging economy. Penny pinching can be a difficult discipline, but some creative folks out there are making the most out of their dollars and cents, and they’re having fun doing it! Personal stories of victory and enthusiastic tips for others have been popping up on blogs of frugal fashionistas and do-it-yourself gurus who know how to find bargains without sacrificing style and personality. And where do many of their coveted treasures come from? The Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores. It’s truly inspiring to see how a little creativity – and your money – can go a long way. And not only do purchases from our stores help your wallet, they also enable The Salvation Army to serve those in need. Many bloggers have been sharing their trendsetting Salvation Army creations online, such as Amanda’s “Thrifted Remix” style, and retro, eclectic outfits by Ancho P. There’s also Elise, an Interior Architecture student whose talented and selective eye dressed mannequins and designed displays to transform a Salvation Army store into an upscale boutique. Amanda's "Thrift Remix" Style is built from clothes taken from second hand stores including The Salvation Army. Photo from her blog http://isanotherstreasure.blogspot.com. Amanda's "Thrift Remix" Style is built from clothes taken from second hand stores including The Salvation Army. Photo from her blog http://isanotherstreasure.blogspot.com. A group of students from Grand Rapids Community College even hosted a fashion show at a Grand Rapids, Michigan Salvation Army Family Store. They were rocking the runway with outfits they compiled themselves from the store’s racks, boasting styles from polished to funky. ‘Nikki’ raved on her blog about a beautiful antique bench with “great bones and beautiful scroll work,” that she found at The Salvation Army for $13. She transformed it with some fun fabric and pink paint to fit in with her contemporary living room. Now, back up - we can share in the excitement of others who have found great deals, but, as mentioned earlier, how do purchases (and donations) to Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores help those in need? Funds from the store directly finance Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs), which is a rehabilitative ministry that provides spiritual, social and emotional assistance for men and women who have lost the ability to cope with their problems and provide for themselves. Each center offers residential housing, work, and group and individual therapy, all in a clean, wholesome environment. The physical and spiritual care that program participants receive prepares them to re-enter society and return to gainful employment. For more information about Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers, visit our website at www.satruck.org. In the meantime, we hope you continue to stretch your dollars and express your creative side with pieces from Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores!

published: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:24:21 +0000

Salvation Army Offers Proposal for Green Shelters in Haiti

The Salvation Army currently serves as the UN-designated “lead agency” for some 20,000 individuals who are living in tents within a soccer stadium near the Army’s Port-au-Prince headquarters. As Haiti’s rainy season approaches, The Salvation Army is making it a priority to transition refugees from the camp into temporary shelters, and we have submitted a proposal to USAID for funding to provide 10,000 transitional shelters for these people. Mr. Lyle Laverty, volunteer and former Assistant Secretary of Interior for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, recently arrived back in the United States after serving a three-week deployment to Haiti on behalf of The Salvation Army. He and a technical working group have already created frame specifications and a proposal for what the shelter should look like and the construction materials needed. A model was built in only one day and used to demonstrate to USAID the construction process. The Salvation Army proposal would use salvaged timber killed by mountain pine beetles in Colorado. This would create jobs in Colorado while providing a green and environmentally conscious solution for the use of the wood. The Salvation Army would train crews and hire local workers in Haiti to construct the shelters which would not only provide jobs, but also provide technical skills for Haitians to use in future construction projects. These transitional housing units will provide a safer and more structurally sound environment than has been available to many Haitians. Additionally, a wonderful relationship is established with Senator Joseph Lambert in Haiti. Senator Lambert, President of the Parliament, arranged a meeting with the Minister of Interior to discuss The Salvation Army’s response to the disaster and strategy to assist the people of Haiti with transitional shelter. The Salvation Army awaits word from USAID on whether its proposal will be accepted. As soon as an answer is provided, TSA will act promptly so as to ease the human suffering caused by the earthquake of January 12.

published: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:04:42 +0000

This Day in History

On this day in history, March 10, 1880, Salvation Army founder General William Booth sent the first official group to pioneer the Army’s work in the United States. Booth founded the organization in London, England in 1865 with a mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor, the homeless, the hungry, and the destitute. Salvation Army Lieutenant Eliza Shirley was actually already in the United States in 1879 after leaving England to join her parents, who had migrated to America earlier in search for work. Shirley held the first meeting of The Salvation Army in America, in Philadelphia. The Salvationists were received enthusiastically. Shirley wrote to General Booth, begging for reinforcements, but none were available at first. Glowing reports of the work in Philadelphia, however, eventually convinced Booth, in 1880, to send an official group to establish the work in America. On March 10, 1880, Salvation Army Commissioner George Scott Railton and seven women survived the long journey from England and arrived in Battery Park in New York City. They knelt on the dockside to give thanks for their safe arrival. At their first official street meeting, these pioneers were met with unfriendly actions, as had happened in Great Britain. They were ridiculed, arrested, and attacked. Several officers and soldiers even gave their lives. Three years later, Railton and other Salvationists had expanded their operation into California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. President Grover Cleveland received a delegation of Salvation Army officers in 1886 and gave the organization a warm personal endorsement. This was the first recognition from the White House and would be followed by similar receptions from succeeding presidents. The Salvation Army movement expanded rapidly to Canada, Australia, France, Switzerland, India, South Africa, Iceland, and local neighborhood units. Today, The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world, providing a variety of social services in 119 countries. For more information about the history of The Salvation Army, visit our national website, or learn more about our work through our national

published: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:39:00 +0000

Salvation Army Ranks Among Top 10 Non-Profits

The Salvation Army ranks among the top 10 most trusted non-profit organizations in America, according to results of Harris Interactive’s EquiTrend annual brand equity poll. The study measures more than 1,000 brands across 42 different categories, including 59 non-profit brands. The Salvation Army emerged in the top 10 rankings in categories of: * Most Trusted (10) * Brand Equity (6) * To Which People are Most Likely to Give (5) You can read the full article in The NonProfit Times. According to Harris Interactive, this year's EquiTrend® study was conducted online among 19,708 U.S. consumers ages 15 and over between January 12 and 21, 2010. The total number of brands rated was 1,151, and each respondent was asked to rate a total of 60 randomly selected brands. For more information about the life changing work of The Salvation Army,visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

published: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:20:59 +0000

Water Well from Years Past Put to Good Use

Sometimes our plans turn out to be even better than we could have ever expected. More than five years ago Major Juan Gutierrez, a Salvation Army minister at Hualpencillo, Chile dug a well with which to water the lawns and gardens around the Salvation Army property. He never used it, but today the well is an important component of The Salvation Army's response to last month’s devastating magnitude 8.8 earthquake. The current corps officer, Major Abraham Marin, installed a pump for the well last week and there is now a source of clean water which can be used by those who are being helped by The Salvation Army. Hualpencillo is where The Salvation Army established the emergency disaster headquarters for the southern region of Chile. Major Juan Carlos Alarcon, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army's Chile South Division, said, “I spoke with Major Gutierrez by telephone to advise him that members of his family who live in the [earthquake] zone are safe. At the same time, I thanked him for drilling the well, which is now helping hundreds of families. In Hualpencillo, we are not only providing food, but fresh spring water as well.”

published: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:46:42 +0000

Don’t Forget – Meal Packing Event March 12, 13

The Salvation Army's next meal packing event for Haiti disaster relief will take place in the Los Angeles, CA area on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13, 2010. If you live in or near this area, come show your support for those in need by rolling up your sleeves and helping! Our goal is 1 million meals, so bring your friends! Again, here are the details: WHAT: Million Meals for Haiti Packaging Event with The Salvation Army and Numana WHO: You and Anyone Else You Can Recruit (ages 12 yrs.or older, please!) WHEN: Teams are being recruited for the following shifts: Friday, March 12 8:00AM to 12:00PM 12:00PM to 4:00PM 4:00PM to 8:00PM Saturday, March 13 8:00AM to 12:00PM 12:00PM to 4:00PM 4:00PM to 8:00PM WHERE: The Salvation Army’s warehouse at 5600 Rickenbacker Road, Building 1C and 1D, Bell, California. Click here for a map to the Bell warehouse. And don’t forget to register online! For more information, visit The Salvation Army’s Southern California website. You can also find helpful details on their blog and Facebook page.

published: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:07:46 +0000

Two Armies – One Mission

The following was submitted by The Salvation Army's Stacy Howard, who is serving as the Public Information Officer for Haiti Incident Command in Port-au-Prince: "Both armies wear a uniform; both are respected as two of the most organized groups in the world; both have a common mission in Haiti. The Salvation Army’s goal is to help survivors of the massive quake with a hand up – to provide support through basic need, medical and spiritual assistance. The U.S. Army’s Haiti Relief Mission: Provide humanitarian support to the country’s surviving population, most of which have been injured or affected by the earthquake in some way. Together the two armies have formed a unique and powerful partnership since the quake. Together they assist, aid, protect and serve. “The Salvation Army was receptive and there was mutual respect,” said Lt. Cody Tinsley, 1 Platoon, A Company, 2 Battalion, 325 Air Infantry Regiment regarding the first of what became many joint missions of food distribution. As the platoon leader, Tinsley led operations that included safely escorting The Salvation Army staff and distribution items via military convoy and security for the nearly 8,000 displaced families. While the U.S. military took charge of security measures, The Salvation Army ran the distribution. At the twice-a-week event, nearly 16,000 people received boxed meals provided by Numana, buckets and bottles of cooking oil. (L to R) The Salvation Army Haiti Command Distribution Coordinator Jonathan Fitzgerald, 1 Platoon, A Company, 2 Battalion, 325 Air infantry Regiment Lt. Cody Tinsley and The Salvation Army Haiti Comman d Public Information Officer Stacy Howard prepare to distribute food to nearly 8,000 families. (L to R) The Salvation Army Haiti Command Distribution Coordinator Jonathan Fitzgerald, 1 Platoon, A Company, 2 Battalion, 325 Air infantry Regiment Lt. Cody Tinsley and The Salvation Army Haiti Command Public Information Officer Stacy Howard prepare to distribute food to nearly 8,000 families. As expected immediately after the quake, disorder and chaos ensued from thousands who rushed for the items. Tinsley said together, both Armies quickly controlled the situation after assessing the needs and safety issues of all involved. Once distributions became a regular mission of the Armies, the ebb and flow made it simple for families to be served. At post-mission debriefings the two Armies discussed ways to improve distribution, shared ideas and came up with a plan that worked for everyone, Tinsley said. Because of mutual respect and trust, each Army let the other take the lead in the area they knew best. In the end, the Haitian disaster relief is a humanitarian mission for both Armies. Despite the sometimes intimidating appearance the U.S. military might portray, as Tinsley said, they adapt to the mission. They realize this is not a war zone. They aren’t here to occupy, they’re here to protect and serve – and at times, even entertain. Several members of the platoon played music and danced to entertain the families in line. The children’s faces lit up. Tinsley said it’s important to remind the survivors we’re all here to help – whether it’s with food, security or a little comedic relief. The Salvation Army has been in Haiti since 1950, and will remain. The U.S. Army will also stay as long as they’re needed to provide support. Whether in Haiti, or elsewhere in the world, The Salvation Army and U.S. Army have and will continue to partner during disaster relief operations with a joint goal: Restore humanity and hope. Two armies – one mission." To stay updated on The Salvation Army’s work, visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org or follow us on Facebook and

published: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:42:59 +0000

Salvation Army Encounter Leads to a Lifelong Impact

Bishop Otis Clark has enough energy to make me envious, and the man is 107! The centenarian was pictured in Time magazine recently for his incredible feat of reaching 100 and surpassing the national average life expectancy by more than 30 years. Even with all these years under his belt, Bishop Clark continues to preach [...]

published: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:38:06 +0000

A “Very Deceiving Earthquake”

The massive tremors that shook Chile in late February have been described as a “very deceiving earthquake.” Though it initially did not show signs of catastrophic proportions, the quake seems to be breaking down the affected areas' infrastructure from the inside out. While many believed that the central region of Chile was not affected, many buildings in Santiago are now being condemned because of damage from the earthquake. The strong aftershocks have impacted the infrastructure of many buildings to the point where at least two to three 18 – 25 story apartment complexes in Santiago have had to turn their residents away so the buildings can be imploded in the near future. Many families have been displaced, and all socioeconomic levels are being affected by this disaster. Lt. Colonel F. Bradford Bailey, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army South America West, said “This earthquake has not only caused physical damage but is has caused damage to the psyche and social conditions of Chile. It has brought out the best and the worst of Chileans. Many are very disappointed in their countrymen (i.e. looting, vandals), while others have stepped up to help and provide strength that is immeasurable.” He went on to say, “This is where The Salvation Army has an opportunity to step up to offer a ministry of presence, and many church members are finding a chance to share their relationship with God. This combined catastrophe will continue to not only affect the pocketbooks of the Government and its citizens, but also the soul of the Chileans”. Here are some ways The Salvation Army is helping in Chile: Santiago Metropolitan region: * The Salvation Army is now providing an average of 3,000 meals a day. These numbers continue to grow, and three meals a day are served. Water, first aid supplies, blankets, candles and other emergency supplies are to be distributed as needed. Concepcion: * Corps Officers, soldiers, and volunteers continue to provide emergency services to displaced residents. Hualpen: * The Hualpencillo Corps continues to serve as a headquarters for food distribution. * As of Wednesday, March 3, they now have three emergency disaster crews carrying provisions to outlying areas. Additional teams are being deployed from Santiago. * Salvation Army Corps Sgt. Major in this city lost her home to the tsunami but is camped out in a tent at the courtyard of the property to help take care of those in greater need than she is at this time. Talca: * The Salvation Army has asked Chilean Emergency Disaster Ministries to open up a fourth front to provide emergency services. The Salvation Army has offered to handle emergency distribution to this community. If you’d like to support The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, you can: * Donate online * Text ‘CHILE’ to 52000 to make a $10 contribution

published: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:33:55 +0000

An Unexpected Delivery

It sounds like something out of a movie, but no, it’s just another day at The Salvation Army’s relief site in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Dee Smith, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army’s Western Missouri Division, had just finished meetings with the United Nations (UN) when she decided to visit the Port-au-Prince camp. Little did she know that a pregnant woman had just arrived at The Salvation Army clinic, already in labor. With no time to waste, Smith, a licensed EMT, walked the mother through the delivery in the compound’s parking lot! A beautiful baby girl was born, who was named Neldine. A doctor arrived on the scene shortly after, and thanks to the help of Dee Smith, we are happy to report that both mother and daughter are doing well!

published: Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:22:33 +0000

Public Service Announcement

Other Information

Below is a collection of videos and other information collected since the earthquake first occurred on Tuesday evening.  This information will be updated as new media becomes available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last updated: 10:52 AM - Thursday, February 18, 2010