As power is restored to Houston, the Salvation Army continues to shine

As power is restored to Houston, the Salvation Army continues to shine

Houston, TX (May 23, 2024) – Salvation Army mobile kitchen teams continue to serve hot meals in storm-affected communities as power companies work to restore power throughout the city. Fewer than 50,000 residents remained without power Wednesday evening, since the rare Texas derecho hit Houston on May 16.

The Salvation Army, in cooperation with the American Red Cross, Texans on Mission (formerly Texas Baptist Men), and the Southern Baptist Texas Convention, coordinates feeding efforts throughout much of Southeast Texas. This includes areas around the cities of Cleveland and Livingston which have seen further flooding since last week’s devastating rains and storms. Texas derechos are widespread storm systems characterized by straight-line winds that occur with bands of fast-moving thunderstorms.

Four mobile kitchens were strategically assigned to serve Houston neighborhoods still without power. Teams comprised of staff and volunteers from Salvation Army Houston Regional Command, Houston International Corps, Texarkana and Conroe, joined by team members from CenterPoint Energy and Collective Strategic Resources, served 1,225 meals Wednesday.

“As residents regain power across the city, community needs are constantly evolving,” said Alvin Migues, director of emergency disaster services for The Salvation Army Texas. “In coordination with the City of Houston and partner agencies, Salvation Army teams are focusing their efforts to deliver hot meals to those who are still without power and dealing with the impact of flooding in their homes. For many, the meals we serve are the only hot meals they have eaten since last Thursday’s storm. We have also provided cleaning kits to those working to empty their flooded homes, as well as hygiene kits and food boxes if necessary.

Several roads in downtown Houston remain closed due to debris and the risk of falling glass from damaged skyscrapers. Compounding the loss of power for many, the region is expected to experience potentially dangerous heat this weekend, with temperatures and humidity levels above normal for the month of May, according to the National Weather Service.

“The Salvation Army relies on financial donations from the public and committed corporate partners, like CenterPoint Energy and Collective Strategic Resources, who donated $100,000 this week, to support ongoing disaster response efforts. disaster,” Miguels said. “One hundred percent of all disaster relief donations support the work happening on the streets of Houston this week. Your donations allow us to deliver a meal to the hungry person, give a cleaning kit to the homeowner who takes care of the grime and dirt left behind after the water drains, and to our trained staff of take a moment to pray. with and encourage those in crisis. Thank you for your support.”

Since the start of service after the storm, 6,963 meals have been served, 5,600 drinks, 7,397 snacks, 96 cleaning kits provided, 456 hygiene kits, 1,120 food boxes, 7,614 ice bags and 3,044 cases of water. Staff trained in emotional and spiritual care made 697 contacts.

On Thursday, the Salvation Army will be serving at the following locations from approximately noon until all food is served:

• Haverstock Apartments, 5619 Aldin Bender Road, Houston
• Coolwood Oak Apartments, 7777 Coolwood Drive, Houston & Galena Park Elementary
• Monaville Fire Station No. 1, 13631 Cochran Road, Waller & Holbrook Elementary School/Cole Creek Area
• Iglesia Christiana Vision Divina, 15703 Market Street, Channelview

As power is restored to more homes, the Salvation Army has received fewer requests for power. Two final distributions are planned, Thursday at 2600 Aldine Westfield Road and Friday, at 12507 Windfern Road, both from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Staff and volunteers will distribute more than 2,000 boxes of food, 30 pallets of water and two ice cream trucks. It is expected that refueling operations will be completed by Saturday.

To donate to support the Salvation Army’s ongoing response efforts to Houston’s severe weather (May 2024), visit helpsalvationarmy.org. For more information about The Salvation Army’s current disaster response efforts, visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.