HONOLULU – The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division is actively assisting with emergency response efforts for residents in the Puna District on the Island of Hawaii. In addition, staff and volunteers for The Salvation Army provided meals and shelter for residents and visitors across the state during the advance of Hurricane Iselle.
“Our East Hawaii Corps officers and volunteers were on the ground in Puna today, providing much needed water, ice, propane, gas cards, batteries, clean up kits, meals and general assistance where needed following Iselle,” said Major Mark Gilden, Divisional Secretary for Business for The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division. “We also stand ready to provide meals to the public or emergency response volunteers as needed. Our teams can provide emotional and spiritual support as well. If you are in need, or know of a family in need, please have them contact The Salvation Army in Hilo at 935-1277.”
Community assistance provided by The Salvation Army to date during this event:
HAWAII
- Assisted 35 families with food and water via The Salvation Army Food Pantry in Honokaa the week of the hurricane.
- Provided ice, coolers, water, propane tanks/canisters, gas cards in the Puna District on Aug. 12.
KAUAI
- Served dinner to approximately 25 evacuees at Kauai War Memorial Hall on Thursday, Aug. 7.
- Sheltered 22 people overnight at The Salvation Army Lihue Corps building on Friday, Aug. 8.
- Provided 10 volunteers at the Kauai War Memorial Hall shelter and served approximately 20 people on Friday, Aug. 8.
MAUI
- Seven volunteers provided 111 meals at three shelters in the Kahului area on Thursday, Aug. 7 and Friday, Aug. 8
- Eight volunteers provided bedding for 55 and snacks for 110 at the Lahaina Civic Center and Mala Wharf on Thursday, Aug. 7.
- Eight volunteers provided breakfast for 20 homeless at Mala Wharf and Library Park and for 40 evacuees at Lahaina Civic Center on Friday, Aug. 8
MOLOKAI
- Assisted two families (total of six individuals) needing help with preparations for the Hurricane and provided shelter at The Salvation Army Outpost.
The public is encouraged to support the emergency disaster services efforts via monetary donations at www.salvationarmyhawaii.org or by calling The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Divisional Headquarters at 808-988-2136. One-hundred percent of the donated funds will support The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services in Hawaii.
About The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services
“In cooperation with federal, state and local agencies, The Salvation Army is equipped and ready to serve the public in the event of major disasters such as floods, fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The Army has mobile canteens capable of serving hot meals and distributing basic supplies during times of crisis. The canteens also serve as an outreach to feed the homeless and provide not only a hand-out, but also a hand-up to the down-trodden to help them back on their feet.” www.salvationarmyhawaii.org While every disaster is unique and creates its own special needs, the core of The Salvation Army’s disaster program consists of several basic services. And while these services address many of the typical needs of a disaster survivor, Salvation Army disaster relief is also flexible. Our services are adapted to the specific needs of individuals and communities and scalable according to the magnitude of the disaster. https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/aboutus/?ourservices
About The Salvation Army of Hawaii
The Salvation Army of Hawaii offers a wide variety of programs throughout the islands including: adult day health services; affordable senior housing; at-risk youth services and housing; camp & conference center; family stores; food distribution and feeding programs; homeless services; The Kroc Center – Hawaii’s largest community center; preschools & day care services; social services – emergency assistance; substance abuse treatment; and work therapy & rehabilitation services. For more information, call 808-988-2136, visit www/salvationarmyhawaii.org, or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.