The Salvation Army responds in Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Community Spirit

The following is a press release from the Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army has begun responding in Hattiesburg, Mississippi following reports of significant damage from a tornado. Early estimates indicate that over 200 homes were damaged throughout the city.

Disaster response teams from Hattiesburg are on the scene assessing the need to serve. Requests have already been received from local Emergency Management agencies for Salvation Army feeding units to respond in support of assessment and clean up efforts in Hattiesburg.

Three Mobile feeding units from across Mississippi will arrive in Hattiesburg on Monday morning to supplement the service of the Hattiesburg Corps of The Salvation Army.

Two units from Jackson will depart at 6 a.m. for several days of support to neighborhoods affected by today’s storms. An additional unit from the Mississippi Gulf Coast will also depart early Monday for service in the Hattiesburg Area.

Each unit will arrive fully stocked and prepared to serve several hundred meals at lunch and dinner

Emotional and spiritual care officers will also be available to provide support to residents.

“Throughout the day on Monday, The Salvation Army will be ready to respond as new pockets of need continue to present themselves,” stated Bill Feist, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army’s ALM Division.  “Our prayer is that this weather system will leave little impact, but we are prepared to respond as needed. The public has entrusted The Salvation Army with the resources to minister to communities in need.”

Financial donations are needed to support disaster relief efforts.  The Salvation Army asks those who want to help to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate April 2011 Tornado Outbreak.  Donors may text “GIVE” to 80888.  Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, GA 30384-0339.  Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by disaster.