Partnering for Recovery: The Salvation Army & Mennonite Disaster Service Support Families
Alexandria, VA. ( June 14, 2024)-- The Salvation Army and Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) are forming a partnership to respond more efficiently to communities that have survived disasters. This partnership will help coordinate a faster, and more complete recovery response for those who have lost everything.
When disaster strikes, whether it be fire, hurricane, or a tornado, The Salvation Army is often first on the scene due to its consistent presence in the community. After a disaster they provide immediate resources for vulnerable community members. The Salvation Army is on the scene providing food, water, emotional and spiritual care, and even shelter when needed, to first responders and survivors, and remains in that community long after immediate disaster relief needs are met.
Mennonite Disaster Service specializes in the long-term recovery phase of a disaster, using a network of volunteers – both experts and beginners—who repair and rebuild homes. MDS works hand-in-hand with communities and helps families restore their homes and rebuild their lives after the immediate response from The Salvation Army and other relief organizations. MDS ensures that families have the resources and community to get back on their feet after a disaster or crisis.
“The Salvation Army is one of the more well-known disaster relief organizations in the country. When storms hit, they are there providing food, water and emergency shelter,” said Kevin King, MDS Executive Director. “We feel blessed to work side by side with The Salvation Army in times of crisis. Together we can provide hope and healing to those who need it most.”
In partnership, The Army and MDS will collaborate on personnel training, facility use, and volunteer training and management to aid survivors of natural and human-caused disasters. MDS’s ministry to rebuild and restore communities and families, paired with The Army’s immediate response disaster relief efforts, will allow both organizations to come alongside an individual or family impacted by a disaster through their entire recovery journey.
"We are so grateful for the resources provided by Mennonite Disaster Service, and for their support in ensuring individuals and families in need receive long-term care,” said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “Their team doesn’t just rebuild homes, they rebuild lives, and we are honored to stand by them in this work of disaster response and recovery.”
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 24 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at nearly 7,000 centers of operations around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood
About Mennonite Disaster Services
Since the 1950s, Mennonite Disaster Service has been supporting communities across the United States and Canada with recovery from disasters and crisis. In response to fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and more, rescue teams assembled and trained to serve impacted people. Today, Mennonite Disaster Service works with thousands of volunteers to annually carry out its mission to respond, rebuild and restore communities and families hit by disasters. By providing disaster relief services, Mennonite Disaster Service restores hope for survivors and serves those impacted with Christian love in over 700 households annually. For more information, visit mds.org.