Archive for February 2nd, 2010

Video: Salvation Army Food Distribution in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

The Salvation Army’s Major Kelly Pontsler, who is currently working in Haiti providing disaster relief, sent us the following detailed, firsthand account of worker and volunteer efforts to distribute desperately needed food to thousands of displaced earthquake victims.  This gives a wonderfully personal insight into the everyday, ongoing work and small victories experienced by The Salvation Army team amidst trying to meet the overwhelming need of Haitians:

“At 2:00 pm local time today, the convoy of trucks arrived.  Escorted by four vehicles carrying approximately 40 members of the US 82^nd Airborne Division, The Salvation Army quickly took command of the access road which bisects its properties in the Delmas 2 district in Port-Au-Prince.

Within minutes of their arrival, the container trucks were in place, the Salvation Army and military personnel had taken their places, the doors were opened and food began to move.   For the dozens of staff and volunteers on-site for this 4^th food distribution, this was about service.   For the thousands of displaced people gathered on that dusty road this afternoon, this was about continued survival.

As smoke billowed from the ravine of smoldering rubbish which runs along the narrow road, family members followed in turn to present their food ration card for a stamp.   As the line inched forward, each bearer of a card received food.  The packages (containing rice, beans, and vegetables) provide a family of 5 with a week’s worth of nutrition.   An estimated 552,000 meals were distributed this afternoon in less than four hours.

Hunger and fatigue are evident on the faces of those going through the line.  Life in the camp surrounding the Salvation Army property is not easy.  Sanitation remains an ongoing concern and the emergency response continues to unfold day by day.

It would be easy to think that there are no signs of hope amidst the rubble of the neighborhood.    And yet today there were small gestures which made the difference.  A group of three young volunteers, doing their best to keep the distribution line moving quickly, spotted an elderly woman who appeared to be a bit unsure of the process.  They paused long enough to help her close the box and lift her food to her head to carry it to the camp.  It took only 10 seconds, but it mattered.  In the midst of chaos and despair, there is still a place for respect.”

Major Kelly Pontsler

Public information Officer

Haiti Incident Command Team

The Groundhog saw his shadow today, and if the rodent’s predictions are accurate, that means we have six more weeks of bitter winter weather.

Some people prefer the cold season, and others might find the chilly temperatures an inconvenience, but for the homeless, such a forecast could have severly grim consequences. Without knowing where their next meal will come from, and living without roof or bed, the lack of the most basic necessities turns icy temperatures into a matter of life and death for the homeless.

“I probably wouldn’t have survived,” recalled Herbert “Herb” David Gardner of Chattanooga, Tennessee, referring to the long, frigid nights sleeping on docks and living inside a tent before he found the local Salvation Army warming shelter about a month ago.

Another homeless man told Salvation Army Captain Bob Mullins “I would have died if you didn’t have this shelter to come to,” referring to a unit in Huntington, West Virginia, where temperatures have plunged into the lower teens.

Salvation Army shelters across the country are on the front lines battling this years’ exceptionally harsh winter, opening their doors to homeless people seeking refuge from the blistery elements. Within these safe havens, those in need have found a warm place to sleep, hot meals, winter clothing and blankets, and other items that will help keep them safe through the dangerously cold nights.

Passing through the shelter doors are young and old, families and individuals, those who have spent much of their life on the streets and others who are seeking help for the first time in light of a difficult economy. The size and amenities of each Salvation Army shelter vary and are tailored to the needs of each community, but all share the mission of meeting the needs of those they serve.

According to Captain Mullins, the organization’s shelter in Huntington averages more than forty men, women, and children each night, and within one day they recently served more than 600 meals and 1,000 drinks. They’ve also handed out numerous blankets, hygiene kits, shoes, and winter clothing items, all which are direly needed by the shelter’s patrons.

This week a rescue squad brought a couple into the Huntington shelter that was found in the subfreezing temperatures with nothing but a cardboard box as protection. Another man who came in had developed frostbite after holes in his shoes left his feet exposed to the elements. At the shelter these people and others were finally able to have their physical needs cared for, as well as their mental and spiritual needs through opportunities to participate in activities such as Praise and Worship and a Bible study, programs offered in one form or another by many Salvation Army shelters across the country.

Thanks to generous donations from local community members and organizations, Salvation Army shelters are able to provide much needed supplies and support for the homeless. However, with the long cold spells and significant crowds entering their doors, shelters are continually seeking and gratefully accepting donations, including monetary contributions, clothing and outerwear, bedding, heaters, and volunteer help, so that they may continue to faithfully serve vulnerable individuals and families.

“We watch the news and weather hoping and praying there will be a break in these extremely cold temperatures, but we are prepared to remain open until it is safe for those who have become like family to return to those places they call home,” said Captain Mullins.

And as Salvation Army staff and volunteers work tirelessly to mitigate the dangers of the cold weather, the diligent efforts of those in Chattanooga have inspired their homeless patron Herb Gardner. After seeking shelter with The Salvation Army almost two months ago, Herb says he is motivated to get off the streets and get his life back on track. Not only is he involved with The Salvation Army shelter program to outline weekly goals, find a job, and hunt for his own apartment, he also spends many days volunteering at a local community kitchen.

“I try to give back for people that’s given to me,” Herb said. “I’m trying to look forward and change my life. And without this place I would have never been able to do it, I don’t think. The Salvation Army is such a great place. It’s a blessing from God for this place even being here.”

If the Groundhog is correct, we hope at least that it is a mild six weeks for the sake of those who are left vulnerable to the wintry elements, but, whatever the weather, The Salvation Army’s shelter doors will continue to remain open for those in need.