Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Unit Continues Earthquake Response
November 2018 EDS Earthquake Response
In the aftermath of the November 30, 2018, 7.1 magnitude earthquake that shook southcentral Alaska, The Salvation Army has been able to provide food, shelter and resources to those in need. People who have been affected not only suffer through physical loss but also emotionally.
In an Alaska Department of Health and Social Services survey, 78% of 2,950 Alaskans reported mental health effects, including an increase of anxiety, fear, distraction or worry. More, 59% of those respondents reported similar findings in their children. While some individuals may find the strength to move through fear and anxiety, the level of affect can be debilitating to others. The Salvation Army is committed to providing emotional and spiritual care to those in need.
In the immediate days following the earthquake, there were countless examples of neighbors helping neighbors; offers of food, shelter, comfort and support to assist those most impacted. Thanks to these acts of kindness, The Salvation Army was able to focus its efforts on the most vulnerable in our community by providing essential emergency needs such as feeding operations, food boxes, vouchers for clothing and needed household goods in local Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores, utility assistance and emotional and spiritual care.
While on the surface life seems to be back to normal, there are still many in our community who are struggling. The Salvation Army’s efforts are focused on working in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure at-risk individuals have adequate support to address immediate needs, including homeless prevention. At the same time, the Army is working alongside other partners in providing long-term recovery assistance to identify and address unmet needs of Alaskans who still require support to complete after all available assistance has been provided through insurance and government disaster programs. This will be the longest and most expensive part of the recovery process.
The Salvation Army is truly blessed to live in such a generous and giving state. Thanks to the generous support from Alaska Safeway stores, Wells Fargo, the Alaska Community Foundation, Walmart and many individuals, The Salvation Army stands ready to serve our neighbors who continue to need assistance in recovering from this significant event.
For more information about The Salvation Army’s EDS programs, please visit the Alaska EDS webpage, here.