Post-Disaster Relief – An Army of Volunteers Domestic Preparedness

Launched by Methodist minister William Booth and the East London Christian Mission in 1865, The Salvation Army provides services during both daily operations and times of disaster. More than just thrift stores and bell ringers, The Salvation Army provides small- and large-scale disaster relief – from house fires to major hurricanes. This “Army of Good” includes about 5,000 officers, 60,000 employees, and more than 1 million volunteers located in 26 countries and across the United States.

Following a disaster, The Salvation Army sends teams to evaluate the scope of the disaster, to develop a response plan, to request donations, and to work with governmental and other nongovernmental organizations to provide victim relief, feeding kitchens, and pastoral duties. Volunteer organizations are critical assets for disaster response, yet back-to-back disasters like the hurricanes and wildfires experienced in 2017 raise concern about donor and responder fatigue. Listen to this podcast and visit www.salvationarmyusa.org to learn more about this organization and its capabilities – a critical resource for all those responding to and affected by a disaster.