Our Programs
Disaster Response
Disasters come in many forms, both natural and manmade, and are always devastating to those involved. With this constant awareness of Texan’s needs, we often are among the first on the scene when disaster strikes. Salvation Army Officers are trained to meet all kinds of emergencies by providing food, shelter, clothing and spiritual comfort. Our mobile kitchens have become a familiar sight for firemen, policemen and victims alike.
Hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches and complete meals meet vital needs when homes are destroyed and people are hungry.
We work with state and federal emergency management personnel and many other organizations to form a cooperative team during such difficult times. Each year, millions of volunteers come forward to give their time and effort when it is most needed.
Salvation Army Disaster Radio
Salvation Army Disaster Radio is a bi-weekly podcast covering all things related to Salvation Army disaster services and emergency management.
The podcast includes audio and video shows. Hosted by a rotating cast of disaster services professionals, topics range from specific issues in emergency management to items of general interest to the casual listener.
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Paying it Forward
In the movie “Pay it Forward,” young Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment) responds to an assignment from his teacher (Kevin Spacey) with a plan to help three people who would then each help three people and so on. Recently, The Salvation Army got to see firsthand as four individuals decided to “Pay it Forward” in regard to Hurricane Ike and disaster relief.
Antonio Jackson, Ronald Smith, Michael Ochoa and Carl Dixon joined two disaster canteen crews to work in a mobile feeding unit in Pasadena, serving some of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ike. What makes these four gentlemen special is that they live on the streets of Corpus Christi, sometimes staying at the Red Shield Lodge of The Salvation Army. Many times these four have received a drink or snack from the mobile feeding unit (canteen) when it roams the streets of Corpus Christi as part of the “Surviving the Night” Salvation Army feeding program.
“I never thought I would have the opportunity to be on the other side of that window,” Carl Dixon exclaimed as he pointed to the serving window on The Salvation Army’s Disaster Canteen. Antonio Jackson added, “I believe in paying back when I can, but money is usually an item I don’t have. Now, I have an opportunity to help someone else out when they are down and out.”
The Disaster unit departed at the end of last week with a crew of eight and is not expected back for two weeks. Duty will involve 15 hour days under the most grueling conditions – no power, no air conditioning and little rest. But in the words of Michael Ochoa, “I can’t think of a better way to pay it forward.”