The Salvation Army opens an additional 35 beds on its main campus for those seeking refuge from the rainy weather.
The potential for widespread flooding has The Salvation Army of North and South Carolina preparing its fleet of 20 mobile kitchens and local disaster teams for response.
Emergency Disaster Services staff and local personnel are closely monitoring weather conditions as a complex system of storms, in addition to potential impact of Hurricane Joaquin, threaten many areas. With these storms heavy rainfall is a possibility, creating flooding in places that are already saturated from recent steady rain.
“At this point, all mobile feeding units and corps across the division are on alert as the potential for flooding is monitored and assessed,” said Mike Patterson, Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) director for The Salvation Army of North and South Carolina. “The Salvation Army is collaborating with emergency management groups at local, county, and state levels to be prepared if relief efforts are necessary.”
The Salvation Army of Greenville County, S.C., said it will provide hospitality shelter for residents experiencing homelessness during this weekend’s emergency weather advisory.
The Upstate is under a flash flood watch until 8 a.m. Monday, as Hurricane Joaquin moves out and away from the Carolinas.
In response to the anticipated storms and rain, the Salvation Army has opened an additional 35 beds on its main campus for those seeking refuge from the rainy weather.
The beds are in addition to those provided in the Women’s & Children’s Shelter and the Men’s Shelter at 417 Rutherford St. that provide a total of 100 beds for the homeless 365 days a year.
“The Salvation Army wants to extend our hospitality and offer a dry and warm place for any individual experiencing homelessness during the wet weather,” shares Major Kent Davis, area commander. “Please encourage anyone you may know who is temporarily homeless or perhaps living in their car to seek shelter.”
Contributions can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, 864-235-4803, mailing to P. O. Box 1237, Greenville, SC 29602 or making an online donation at salvationarmygreenville.org.