Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!
We combat natural disasters with acts of God
Disasters of incredible magnitude call for people of incredible generosity.
How we help disaster survivors
The Salvation Army of Monroe has its own Emergency Disaster Services unit. To report a disaster or to volunteer with us, contact our office at 734-241-0440.
About The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services Program
The Salvation Army's Disaster Services represent a commitment to serve people in their time of need and at their exact location of need. First begun following a hurricane which devastated Galveston, Texas in 1900, the worldwide program has gone on to serve millions of disaster victims in the 100 years since. In the Eastern Michigan Division, a dozen disaster response teams, directed by trained personnel, are on call to serve at all disasters and civil disorders which may place a community at risk, or disrupt family security and well-being. Mobile canteens provide food, temporary shelter, blankets, communications, pastoral counseling, emergency lighting, clean-up kits and referrals to Salvation Army centers. By partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) and local agencies, The Salvation Army ensures its disaster services are provided in the most efficient manner possible.
As one of the nation's major emergency relief organizations, The Salvation Army recognizes the critical importance of being prepared for natural and man-made disasters. Therefore, we take steps to ensure our own ability to respond quickly and efficiently to a disaster while also working to educate other disaster professionals and the public at large about how to prepare for and respond to emergency situations.
Emergency response services are activated on short notice according to an agreed-upon notification procedure coordinated with federal, state and local governments. Typically, Salvation Army personnel and resources will congregate at predetermined staging areas, entering the impacted area only once government first-responders have indicated that it is safe and constructive to do so. These immediate response activities include food and hydration services, shelter, cleanup and emergency communication assistance to put victims in touch with their loved ones.
Depending on the magnitude of the disaster, The Salvation Army may continue providing immediate response services such as emergency shelter and food service well into the recovery process. Additionally, the Army will often coordinate with local, state and federal entities to develop and execute long-term strategic disaster recovery plans. These activities include restoration and rebuilding initiatives, disaster social services (to address essential living needs, medical expenses or funeral costs), and in-kind donation distribution to disaster victims.
Throughout the duration and aftermath of a major disaster, The Salvation Army provides spiritual comfort and emotional support upon request to victims and emergency workers coping with the stress of a catastrophe. Salvation Army counselors, who are often ordained as clergy (officers), may simply offer a "ministry of presence," but often people who know about The Salvation Army as representatives of God may ask for prayer or help from the Bible. Disaster relief and recovery services are provided to all in need without discrimination.
