The Salvation Army Responds to Landslide Disaster in Haines
Anchorage, AK – The Salvation Army provides emergency disaster support to those who are in need in any situation that may arise. On Wednesday morning, The Salvation Army in Haines was contacted by the Haines Police Department requesting assistance with shelter for two adults who had evacuated their home due to mudslides. At 4:15 PM, a major catastrophic landslide approximately 600 feet wide hit the community of 2,500 unexpectedly. As of Wednesday evening, The Salvation Army provided emergency shelter coordination support, warm meals, water, clothing and hygiene products for 20 households in Haines who had been displaced by the landslides.
The Salvation Army Haines Corps Community Center is an integral part of the community’s emergency response network and provides year-round ministry to the community of Haines under the direction of Captains Kevin and Serina Woods. Captains Woods are currently working closely local emergency response officials in Haines and The Salvation Army’s Divisional Headquarters in Anchorage to assess and prioritize needs and response efforts for the community in the days ahead.
At the direction of The Salvation Army’s Alaska divisional commander, Major John Brackenbury, The Salvation Army’s mobile canteen from Juneau will be deployed to Haines Friday morning thanks to the support of the Ferry Transit System. Salvation Army Juneau Corps Officer Major Shane Halverson will accompany the canteen to provide additional support in the community. Mobile canteens are used in emergency response efforts nationwide by The Salvation Army to provide needs to the community from food and water to PPE and hygiene products.
“Currently, we are coordinating response efforts for community members in Haines who will need our help for shelter, food and other resources in the coming days and weeks ahead,” said Major Brackenbury. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the community of Haines during this difficult time.”
To help The Salvation Army support the community of Haines, donate online at salarmy.us/HainesEDS.
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The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, supports those in need in His name without discrimination, offering spiritual encouragement and basic services to meet the needs of Alaskans in 18 communities. The Salvation Army has been caring for mind, body, spirit and soul of individuals, children and families in Alaska since 1898. In FY2020, The Salvation Army served 298,758 meals, gave 37,750 toys and gifts to kids in need and provided over 8,600 contacts of emotional and spiritual support helping nearly 77,000 Alaskans statewide. For more information, please visit alaska.salvationarmy.org.