Posts Tagged ‘Chile’

According to USA TODAY article “Poll: More donated to Haiti than to Chile after quakes,” a recent USA TODAY/Gallup poll found that nearly half (45%) of respondents donated money to Haiti earthquake relief efforts, whereas less than one third (28%) of respondents donated to Chile aid work for the earthquake that struck the South American nation just more than a month later.

The article discusses several possible reasons for the disparity, but according to those who directly donated to Haiti efforts, 87% of them said they gave based on the amount of the country’s damage, and 73% gave based on the island nation’s dire economic state.

What factors affect you when considering donating to disaster relief? Did you donate to efforts in Haiti or Chile, and why or why not? What do you think about the poll’s direct and implied findings?

The Salvation Army is actively working in the earthquake devastated communities of both Haiti and Chile, serving human need without discrimination. We have been present in Haiti since 1950, operating schools, clinics, hospital, feeding programs, children’s homes and church-related activities across the country. The Salvation Army has also been present and active in Chile since 1909, offering educational outreach, childcare programs, skills training, and anti-drug programs.

Tsunami damage in the fishing community of Dichato, Chile

The Salvation Army in Chile is focusing their tsunami relief response mainly on the communities of Dichato and Caleta Tumbes. Many locals here fled to high ground and watched as the tsunami destroyed their homes, possessions and livelihoods, and in some instances took the lives of their loved ones.

One woman lost her 92-year-old father who decided to stay in their house after trusting his son, a local fisherman, that the sea well would not reach the house. On any other night that would have been true – but not on this occasion.

Another fisherman explained that he didn’t think about the boat he left behind as he and his family fled, and now he doesn’t know how he’ll be able to afford to pay for a new one.  His family is currently living with many others in tents and makeshift shelters in woods on high ground inland from their homes.

The tsunami destroyed the communities’ fishing fleets, and this time of year is the most important for sardine fishermen. The season lasts only three months, and many earn almost their entire annual income during this short period.

The secretary of the fishermen’s cooperative in Dichato said: ‘The young men may be able to retrain to do something else but many of us are too old. All we know is fishing – it is our livelihood, it is our life.’

In addition to providing food, water, clothes, and spiritual support, The Salvation Army in Chile is considering raising donations for the purpose of replacing the boats that were swept away.

The secretary of the fishermen’s cooperative in Caleta Tumbes thanked The Salvation Army for all it was doing in the community and appealed for it to continue to give assistance.

If you would like to support The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, please visit our online donation page.

Information provided by Major Raelton Gibbs of The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services

Food and drink is distibuted from a Salvation Army mobile canteen in Chile.

One month following the destructive magnitude 8.8 earthquake and tsunami that struck Chile, The Salvation Army continues distributing  help throughout the country. More than 15,000 people have been assisted and 14,000 rations of food provided to individuals and families. Some 350 volunteers have given their help.

A campaign called ‘Strong Arms Around Chile’ has been set up to help collect donations and goods that can be delivered to the neediest Chileans.

In the area around the capital, Santiago, coffee, hot meals and other services continue to be offered.

The south of the country, particularly coastal regions, was most affected by the disaster and this area is where The Salvation Army is focusing its efforts.

Four hundred baskets with basic necessities have been given out in Caleta Tumbes, which was affected by both the quake and tsunami. Salvation Army workers are helping to clear debris in this area. The Salvation Army is also distributing family baskets with basic necessities such as food, water, hygiene products, and clothes to families who are sleeping outdoors since they no longer have homes.

In Concepción, around the epicentre of the earthquake, family baskets were distributed at a camp in the centre of the city.

In nearby Hualpén, a well on the grounds of Hualpencillo Corps (church) is providing water to the neighbourhood.

The Salvation Army’s Central Division in Chile sent 20 tons of food, clothing and water to the cities of Concepción and Hualpén, including some goods purchased with funds received from overseas.

The supplies were organized in a reception centre at Concepción Corps. The corps officers went to the affected zones to see where the aid was most needed and the community of Dichato was identified. Unfortunately, because of contamination, the military was not allowing people into the community.

Eventually a Salvation Army team was allowed to visit the New Dawn camp in Dichato, which is made up of 180 families – approximately 850 people. The team also visited Villa los Sauces, which has a number of temporary settlements, and the area of Coliumo, where many people are living in small makeshift camps along the side of the road.

In each of these places goods were given out, including food, water and some tents. Three volunteers, rotating every few days, are living in a tent in the New Dawn camp and there are plans to set up a community kitchen. Salvationists and volunteers have helped clear debris and have lifted people’s spirits with times of worship.

In an emergency services coordination meeting, it was decided that Concepción Corps would take responsibility for people in Dichato, Coliumo, Lota, Coronel and Hualqui. The corps at Hualpén will visit and document the communities of Las Salinas, Lenga, Talcahuano and Caleta Tumbes. Some of these areas are dealing with devastation from both the earthquake and the tsunami.

Major Raelton Gibbs (International Emergency Services) is now in Chile to assist and advise the local Salvation Army teams.

The Salvation Army has been shown great appreciation by those receiving help. Many are simply happy still to be alive. The Chilean Salvation Army continues to work and aid those in need by providing not only material necessities but also spiritual comfort.

To help support The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, visit our online donations page.

Sometimes our plans turn out to be even better than we could have ever expected.

More than five years ago Major Juan Gutierrez, a Salvation Army minister at Hualpencillo, Chile dug a well with which to water the lawns and gardens around the Salvation Army property. He never used it, but today the well is an important component of The Salvation Army’s response to last month’s devastating magnitude 8.8 earthquake.

The current corps officer, Major Abraham Marin, installed a pump for the well last week and there is now a source of clean water which can be used by those who are being helped by The Salvation Army. Hualpencillo is where The Salvation Army established the emergency disaster headquarters for the southern region of Chile.

Major Juan Carlos Alarcon, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Chile South Division, said, “I spoke with Major Gutierrez by telephone to advise him that members of his family who live in the [earthquake] zone are safe. At the same time, I thanked him for drilling the well, which is now helping hundreds of families. In Hualpencillo, we are not only providing food, but fresh spring water as well.”

A Salvation Army worker surveys damage from Chile's earthquake.

The massive tremor that shook Chile in late February has been described as a “very deceiving earthquake.” Though it initially did not show signs of catastrophic proportions, the quake seems to be breaking down the affected areas’ infrastructure from the inside out.

While many believed that the central region of Chile was not affected, many buildings in Santiago are now being condemned because of damage from the earthquake.   The strong aftershocks have impacted the infrastructure of many buildings to the point where at least two to three 18 – 25 story apartment complexes in Santiago have had to turn their residents away  so the buildings can be imploded in the near future.  Many families have been displaced, and all socioeconomic levels are being affected by this disaster.

Lt. Colonel F. Bradford Bailey, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army South America West, said “This earthquake has not only caused physical damage but is has caused damage to the psyche and social conditions of Chile.  It has brought out the best and the worst of Chileans.  Many are very disappointed in their countrymen (i.e. looting, vandals), while others have stepped up to help and provide strength that is immeasurable.”

He went on to say, “This is where The Salvation Army has an opportunity to step up to offer a ministry of presence, and many church members are finding a chance to share their relationship with God.  This combined catastrophe will continue to not only affect the pocketbooks of the Government and its citizens, but also the soul of the Chileans”.

Here are  some ways The Salvation Army is helping in Chile:

Santiago Metropolitan region:

• The Salvation Army is now providing an average of 3,000 meals a day.   These numbers continue to grow, and three meals a day are served.  Water, first aid supplies, blankets, candles and other emergency supplies are to be distributed as needed.

Concepcion:

• Corps Officers, soldiers, and volunteers continue to provide emergency services to displaced residents.

Hualpen:

• The Hualpencillo Corps continues to serve as a headquarters for food distribution.
• As of Wednesday, March 3, they now have three emergency disaster crews carrying provisions to outlying areas. Additional teams are being deployed from Santiago.
• Salvation Army Corps Sgt. Major in this city lost her home to the tsunami but is camped out in a tent at the courtyard of the property to help take care of those in greater need than she is at this time.

Talca:

• The Salvation Army has asked Chilean Emergency Disaster Ministries to open up a fourth front to provide emergency services.   The Salvation Army has offered to handle emergency distribution to this community.

If you’d like to support The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, you can:

• Donate online
• Text ‘CHILE’ to 52000 to make a $10 contribution

Salvation Army workers distribute emergency supplies to residents of Tocopilla, northern Chile.

The Salvation Army continues to provide emergency services in Chile as many remain missing or without basic necessities. We are networking with other Christian evangelical groups to support and comfort those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck February 27. Items that are being provided by these partners include donations of clothing, non-perishable foods, bed linens, cots, and tents.

As reported previously, the hardest hit areas of Chile are Concepcion (750,000 pop. and located slightly inland), Valdivia, Haulpen, and Tajquiana, a port city.   The emergency disaster headquarters are being established at the Hualpencillo Salvation Army Corps which is located between the coast and Concepcion.  Many of the tents erected at the Corps are displaced Salvation Army Officers and members whose homes have been washed away.

An emergency disaster team brought a generator to provide electricity, as well as additional food to be packaged or cooked for survivors. One of the main ingredients that will be distributed is flour, as bread is a main Chilean staple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

In the Santiago metropolitan region, approximately 1,500 – 2,000 persons are being served daily with hot meals, water, first aid items, and other emergency supplies.

There is concern about food distribution due to the unrest and looting that has been occurring, so The Salvation Army is hopeful that we will be provided some protection from local police.

Supplies are being purchased by funding already received from International Headquarters as well as local donations.  Some of the supplies that will be delivered include:

• Milk donated by the Swiss government
• Non-perishable foods
• Clothing donated by Canada, USA Central, and USA Eastern territories
• Linens including blankets and bedding
• Tents
• Purified water
• Tools to assist with clearing efforts

Further information will be reported as soon as it becomes available.  Stay up to date through our blog, national website, Facebook, and Twitter pages!

If you’d like to support The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, you can:

• Donate online
• Text ‘CHILE’ to 52000 to make a $10 contribution

The Salvation Army continues to serve Chile in the wake of Saturday’s massive earthquake, but did you know we have been active in the South American nation since 1909? That’s more than 100 years!

The below is a clip from the video, “A Life Saving Army,” which features  information about the work of The Salvation Army in Chile, including educational outreach, childcare programs, skills training, and anti-drug programs. The original video also featured Salvation Army programs in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.

To support The  Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, donate online or text the word ‘CHILE’ to 52000 and confirm with ‘YES’ to make a $10 contribution.

To stay updated on The Salvation Army’s work, visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org or follow us on  Facebook and Twitter.

These photos display damage to Salvation Army properties in Chile in the wake of Saturday’s earthquake, as well as Salvation Army relief efforts to displaced individuals and families. Our work is ongoing.

To support The  Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, donate online or text the word ‘CHILE’ to 52000 and confirm with ‘YES.’

To stay updated on The Salvation Army’s efforts visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org or follow us on  Facebook and Twitter.

A Salvation Army officer provides a meal to a displaced family.

Tents to house 60 displaced families as a result of  Saturday’s earthquake in Chile have been set up on the patio of the Hualpencillo Corps near Concepcion, reports Lt. Colonel Maria Alarcon, The Salvation Army’s South America West Territory Secretary for Business Administration. She added that Salvation Army officers are traveling from Puerto Montt and Osorno, in Southern Chile, to Concepcion to join The Salvation Army emergency relief response team.

The area most affected by Saturday’s earthquake was between the cities Os Temuco and Chillan, with Concepcion being the hardest hit.

Lt. Colonel Alarcon said, “I have never seen such destruction here before, though I have worked in many disaster situations – they don’t compare with this. Our officers are all fine, but a lot of Salvation Army properties are damaged especially the older ones made of adobe bricks. The worst damage in Santiago has occurred at Quinta Normal and Lo Vial Corps, and El Faro Men’s Residence.”

Territorial Commander for the South American West Territory, Commissioner Jorge A. Ferreira (currently in Ecuador) reports that The Salvation Army is also carrying out emergency relief work in the city of Os Valparaiso on the west coast of Chile. The Commissioner adds that it had been planned to dedicate a recently arrived mobile Salvation Army emergency services canteen (a donation from USA Southern Territory) on 4 March, but it is already being used to serve those in need.

To support The  Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, donate online or text the word ‘CHILE’ to 52000 and confirm with ‘YES.’

To stay updated on The Salvation Army’s efforts in Chile, visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org or follow us on  Facebook and Twitter.

A Salvation Army mobile canteen administers food and water to Chileans affected by Saturday's earthquake.

To support its relief efforts in Chile, The Salvation Army has already established a text-to-give program that works on all major cell-phone carriers within the United States. This number is for people who want to give a small amount quickly.

If you’d like to helpThe Salvation Army’s relief effort in Chile, simply text the word “CHILE” to 52000 to make a one-time $10 donation billed to cell phone account.

According to Ginny Edwards of the Mobile Giving Foundation, “By texting the word “CHILE” to 52000 via a mobile phone, a micro-donation of $10 can be made to aid the people affected by this tragedy. 100% of your donation goes to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts in Chile, and the donation appears as a charge on your carrier bill, standard rates may apply.”

The earthquake epicenter was approximately 90 miles North west of the city of Concepción in Southern Chile.  This is approximately 350 miles from the capital of Santiago. Nevertheless, according to officials on the ground, the quake was of a 7.0 magnitude in the Santiago metropolitan region. People have flocked to the streets as numerous aftershocks continue to pummel the country, severely affecting older buildings in the more historical areas of the larger cities.

To donate online, visit our page set up through The Salvation Army’s national website.

To stay updated on The Salvation Army’s efforts in Chile, visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org or follow us on  Facebook and Twitter.