The Salvation Army of Florida’s EDS Response for Hurricane Ian’s Impact

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Catastrophic landfall conditions make community support vital

Tampa, Florida (September 28, 2022) — The Salvation Army of Florida, Emergency Disaster Services Department has prepared resources and personnel to meet the immediate needs of survivors and first responders before, during and after Hurricane Ian’s catastrophic landfall in Florida. Ian comes just days after Hurricane Fiona ravaged Puerto Rico, where The Salvation Army is still serving survivors and responders.

Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm Wednesday morning, Sept. 28, on the west coast of Florida, near Port Charlotte. Hurricane Ian follows a similar path as Hurricane Charlie in 2004. While Charlie was a smaller sized storm and moved much quicker across the state, Ian has been slowly moving which will cause much more significant damages. The impacts will likely be worse than Hurricane Irma in 2017, which affected some of these same communities.

Recovery efforts will take years and The Salvation Army is positioned to respond to widespread needs as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“It is honor to be called upon to serve others in times of disaster. Through the service of The Salvation Army, we seek to show the there is hope, even in the storm.” said Captain Stephan Wildish, Operations Canteen Coordinator. “We are activated and prepared to go to where the storm hits the hardest, to meet the needs of disaster survivors in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.”

Ian Prep/Initial Response:

  • The Salvation Army has mobile feeding units (Canteens) ready to respond, with 27 already in Florida, stationed across the state.
    • Each mobile feeding unit can feed approximately 1,500 meals per day.
  • The Salvation Army has been feeding at evacuation shelters in many communities across the state and will continue as needed.
  • Emergency Disaster Services warehouses in Tampa, Florida, and McDonough, Georgia are prepped with food, water, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and other items that will be distributed to those in need in the coming days and weeks.

The Salvation Army disaster personnel collaborate with emergency management agencies and partner agencies and organizations, as it will take the efforts of many to meet the needs of disaster survivors impacted by Hurricane Ian.

 

For more information on The Salvation Army’s continued response, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

 

To make a financial gift to support Hurricane relief efforts:

  • Donate online: www.HelpSalvationArmy.org.
  • Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
  • Text-To-Donate: Text STORM to 51555 to donate to help disaster relief efforts.
  • Current media releases, updates, and information – www.disaster.salvationarm.org
One hundred percent of designated disaster donations go to direct services for survivors and first responders.

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 About The Salvation Army USA:
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 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 addiction, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,200 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. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

 

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National Salvation Army Week, May 9-15, 2022

National Salvation Army Week, May 9-15, 2022

Honoring the Work and Ministry of The Salvation Army in Tampa/Hillsborough

Tampa, Florida (May 2, 2022) – The Salvation Army in Tampa is excited to celebrate National Salvation Army Week, May 9-15. Since 1893, The Salvation Army has faithfully and consistently worked to help those in need from our community, 365 day a year providing assistance to individuals and families who may find themselves in crisis, shelter to those experiencing homelessness, food and meals to the hungry, and much more.

In 1954, the week of November 18-December 4 (now recognized in May) was declared by the United States Congress and proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the first National Salvation Army Week, as a reminder to Americans to give freely of themselves. In his speech, President Eisenhower said:

“Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans. Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”

In Tampa alone last year, The Salvation Army provided:

  • 37,222 nights of shelter
  • 111,827 meals served
  • 272 households for rent and utilities provided
  • 501 Angel Tree families
  • 1,414 Angels (children) assisted via Angel Trees

“National Salvation Army Week presents a wonderful opportunity for us to let the community know more about the work of The Salvation Army in Tampa” said Major David Swyers, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army Tampa. “The last two year were very challenging as we have all dealt with the ongoing pandemic. The Salvation Army has experienced heightened need during this time and has been privileged to support so many in our community as we have continued to be open 365 days a year. We want to recognize and celebrate the partners, supporters, and volunteers who make the ministry of the Army possible and invite everyone to join us as we celebrate National Salvation Army Week.”

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Today, The Salvation Army is at work in 132 countries around the world. Here in the USA in 2020 the organization provided more than 155 million meals between March and September alone, 1.6 million nights of COVID shelter, 6.6 million food boxes, and emotional and spiritual care to 857,000 people. With more than 7,500 centers of operation in the U.S., The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to meet needs in Jesus’ name, without discrimination – wherever it exists.

 

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 30 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 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information about Tampa, visit www.SalvationArmyTampa.org and follow us on www.Facebook.com/salvationarmytampacommand.

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The Salvation Army and the Glazer Vision Foundation Launch $100,000 Matching Gift Challenge

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As the need for emergency shelter in Hillsborough County continues to grow, the Glazer Vision Foundation joins the fight against homelessness with renovated facility in Tampa Heights.

TAMPA, FL (August 25, 2021) – To inspire the Tampa community to support The Salvation Army’s work, the Glazer Vision Foundation is proud to announce a $100,000 matching gift. Now through September, friends and supporters have the opportunity to double their donations by participating in this special fundraising campaign. This gift will finalize the Red Shield Center, a state of the art, emergency shelter for homeless men and women in Hillsborough County. The fully renovated building will be located in the Tampa Heights neighborhood at 1603 N Florida Ave.

“For more than a century, The Salvation Army has been a guiding light for underserved children and families throughout our community,” said Glazer Vision Foundation President Darcie Glazer Kassewitz. “We are proud to support the new Red Shield Center and the continued efforts to provide comprehensive care and critical resources to men, women and children in Hillsborough County.”

The new facility will be a 39,000-square foot, one-stop social services and residential facility, and will be located on a campus-like setting with state-of-the-art amenities, expansive capabilities, and flexible spaces to suit many needs. Currently, the renovation is projected to be complete by Fall 2021. Tony and Lauren Dungy serve as honorary chairs of the capital campaign.

“We are honored to be the recipients of this incredibly generous gift,” said Major David Swyers, Tampa Area Commander. “This gift will help us to support the growing needs of the most vulnerable population in Hillsborough County.”

Donate Now

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 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 7,600 centers of operation around the country. The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter: @Salarmytampa and #DoingTheMostGood

About the Glazer Vision Foundation
For over a decade, the Glazer Vision Foundation has been committed to full-treatment vision correction for underserved children. The foundation honors the legacy of the late Malcolm Glazer, who attributed his first pair of prescription glasses to an enhanced ability to learn and succeed. To date, the foundation has provided more than 100,000 free eye screenings and over 20,000 free pairs of prescription glasses to children throughout Tampa Bay. The Mobile Vision Clinic is the centerpiece of the Glazer Vision Foundation’s commitment to providing these critical eye care services and resources, bringing doctors, nurses and eye care specialists, along with an on-site prescription lens lab and a full selection of eyeglass frames, to communities and schools throughout the region. Follow @glazervisionfdn on social with #OneShareOnePair and visit GlazerVisionFoundation.org to learn more.

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The Salvation Army of Tampa Announces New Leadership.

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TAMPA, FL (July 2, 2021) – The Salvation Army announces the appointment of Major David Swyers and Captain Beth Swyers to lead the work of The Salvation Army in Tampa/Hillsborough County. For the past four years, they led the work of The Salvation Army in Kerrville, Texas.

The new officers intend to position The Salvation Army of Tampa as the premier social service and holistic care provider that will address the root cause of homelessness. In addition to leading the emergency shelter, they will be implementing community-based youth programs that will help to develop character, confidence, and spirituality.

“When people think about what’s good in Tampa, I want them to think of The Salvation Army”, said Major David Swyers, Tampa Area Commander. “Here in Tampa, we will focus on stewardship, others, transforming lives, and restoring hope.”

The Swyers have six children; four adult children and two that will be joining them here in Tampa. As an alumnus of The University of South Florida, Major David Swyers considers the move to Tampa a homecoming. Captain Beth Swyers is a graduate of Antietam Bible College in Maryland. Captain Beth will be leading the youth programs at the 1100 W Sligh Ave location.

“My goal is to foster the next generation through music and arts, character building, and Sunday school programs,” said Captain Beth Swyers, Tampa Area Commander. “When the children in our community set foot into our building, I want them to feel safe and experience the love of Jesus.”

In addition to leading the work to end homelessness, the Swyers will be overseeing the completion of the Red Sheild Center, located at 1603 N Florida Ave. The new facility will be a 39,000-square foot one-stop social services and residential facility located in a campus-like setting, with state-of-the-art amenities, expansive capabilities, and flexible spaces to suit many needs.

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The Salvation Army of Tampa Prepares Its Emergency Disaster Resource for Elsa Response

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TAMPA, FL (July 6, 2021) – With the approach of Tropical Strom Elsa, The Salvation Army of Tampa is prepared to activate its emergency disaster teams and resources to meet the needs of the community and first responders. The Tampa Command has its Mobile Feeding Unit, which can provide 500 meals at a time, ready and on standby. Here is what The Salvation Army of Tampa can provide:

  • 1,500 meals per day
  • Water
  • Financial resources to those directly effected
  • Spiritual and emotional care

In addition to the Salvation Army of Tampa providing resources to the community, The Salvation Army’s state headquarters for emergency disaster response is also located here in Tampa.

“We are uniquely situated in that we have more Salvation Army disaster response resources than any other County in the State,” says Major David Swyers. “We are prepared to meet the needs of our community before, during, and after the storm.”

The Salvation Army will continue to monitor the storm and adjust its services as necessary.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 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 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter: @Salarmytampa and #DoingTheMostGood

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