As a faith-based organization, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to provide both practical aid and emotional and spiritual support in times of crisis. Its officers are ordained ministers trained in trauma-informed care, grief counseling, and crisis response. These specialists are deployed alongside emergency response teams to sit with survivors in their grief, pray with families, offer spiritual guidance, and provide hope in the darkest of moments.
"Communities across Central Texas are reeling from unimaginable loss and we are heartbroken by the scope of this tragedy," said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army. "In the face of overwhelming loss, The Salvation Army is committed to being a constant presence, offering not just physical support, but also a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a reminder that no one is alone in this."
Active Response Efforts:
- Seven Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) Specialists are en route to Kerrville, with more arriving daily to support survivors and grieving families.
- Feeding units and support services are available at City West Church in Ingram, the Hill Country Youth Development Center, Calvary Temple Shelter, and local businesses like Crider's in Hunt and Hargraves Auto.
- Additional canvassing is taking place in impacted neighborhoods.
- Clean-up and hygiene kits are being distributed today from 34 W 3rd Street.
At the time of this release, The Salvation Army had distributed:
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- Meals served: 2,670
- Drinks provided: 16,265
- Snacks distributed: 3,726
- Clean-up kits: 87
- Hygiene kits: 131
For up-to-date service stats, please see The Salvation Army's Fast Facts page.
In a powerful show of support, several corporations have provided financial resources, allowing service organizations to efficiently purchase and deploy the most needed resources. The Dallas Cowboys donated $500,000, which will help provide essential resources. Walmart, Sam's Club, and the Walmart Foundation are supporting relief efforts in the region through grants and in-kind donations. This includes up to a $250,000 match of customer and member donations, that can soon be made online or in-stores and clubs in Texas, through the Walmart and Salvation Army match campaign. Other significant supporters include Kroger and the NFL Foundation.
With more rain forecasted, The Salvation Army remains in close coordination with local and state emergency management partners and is prepared to adjust and extend operations as needed.
How to Help:
The most effective way to support The Salvation Army's disaster response is through financial contributions. These funds allow teams to meet urgent and evolving needs quickly and effectively.
To learn more about The Salvation Army's disaster relief work in response to the devastating floods in Texas, click HERE.
A media kit with photos and additional resources is available HERE.
For media inquiries, please click HERE.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 27 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services by providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, shelter for the homeless, and rehabilitation services for people in need. The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 6,400 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100% of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.
SOURCE The Salvation Army
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