The Salvation Army's Disaster Services program began 100 years ago in response to a hurricane that devastated Galveston, Texas and has grown into a nation-wide network involving thousands of volunteers and trained personnel. In following with our holistic ministry, we provide services that meet the immediate as well as long term physical, emotional and spiritual needs of disaster victims.

Every year, in ways both large and small, the Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) personnel respond to the needs of others impacted by disaster. Whether it is local, small-scale incident such as a building fire or a major disaster, which affects entire communities and cities, The Salvation Army relief staff and volunteers are often the first on the scene and some of the last to leave.

     

While every disaster is unique, the core of The Salvation Army's EDS program consists of several basic services: food, shelter, grief counseling and financial assistance. Our services are adapted to the specific needs of the affected community and scalable according to the magnitude of the disaster.

And while these services address many of the typical needs of disaster survivors, Salvation Army disaster relief is also flexible. The most visible service provided is often the hot meals and cold drinks served from our mobile kitchens but there is much more going on which is often not seen. In the days and weeks (and sometimes even months) following a disaster, The Salvation Army also works to provide emergency and temporary housing services, missing persons services and emotional and spiritual counseling. In most communities in America, The Salvation Army is already at work providing needed assistance through our programs, honoring a century-old commitment to serve those in need at the time of need and at the place of need.

     

How You Can Help

The best way to help during any disaster, large or small, is often to make a financial contribution to the charity of your choice. Cash donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors without incurring many of the costs associated with sorting, packing, transporting and distributing donated goods. Salvation Army disaster services are funded entirely by donors, and The Salvation Army uses 100% of all disaster donations in support of disaster relief operations.

2014 Central Washington Wildfires: We are currently accepting donations for the ongoing relief and recovery effort in central Washington. If you wish to donate towards this effort, you may make a secure donation with your credit card HERE.

Donate Online: You may make a secure donation with your credit card HERE.

Donate by Phone: 1-800 SAL-ARMY

Donate by Mail: Please make checks payable to "The Salvation Army" and clearly marked "disaster relief":

The Salvation Army
Northwest Division
111 Queen Anne Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109

If you would like to volunteer with your local Salvation Army disaster services team, please click here.

For information about how to prepare for a disaster, please click here.

     

Additional Links

Disaster Services
Where We Are Helping Now
Disaster Training Opportunities