The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Texas Connection Support Texas Flood Relief Efforts

For those who want to help and are able, we figured we'd share this -- the link to the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services. It covers community needs close to home in Kerrville and surrounding areas.

We have always relied on the Salvation Army for any donations when an area is involved and not an individual's need. We didn't want our donation to go 85% to an agency and so little to the people in need.

There already are scammers out there, praying on the folks who truly want to help. If you know of people who are sadden about this tragedy, ask them to say a prayer and then put some coins behind their sad face -- and help these people to recover. Everyone will feel a little better.

John and Peggy
Matthew 25:40

Hopefully this will play for you. It is a sobering time lapse of what came down the Llano River. The Llano is about 80 miles or so northeast of Kerrville through which runs the Guadalupe River (also flooded badly). If you haven't seen this, here it is:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1276806674121050&id=100053751887079

Hey everyone, I’ve been following the floods in the Kerrville area, especially since it’s not far away. There have been so many volunteers and donated items that they have asked everyone to pause. They have requested that people donate $$$ to places like the Salvation Army, convoy of hope, etc. but to be careful of scammers. I have a bunch of buddies that are currently working along the Guadalupe River since the flood.

Please continue praying for the families, their loved ones, and the many volunteers. Last I heard 160 are still missing

Chris

We have heard from a number of Bolters in the Kerrville TX area. I hope they have a chance to give some reports here.

Yes, be careful of scammers. I did a little research and found that the Salvation Army Disaster Relief link says the donations are actually being covered by GoFundMe ... and GFM is charging a percentage, just like PayPal, VISA, etc. I ended up going around all that by just using webpay with our bank. It'll take a week to get to them but me thinks they'll be needing money for some time. :-(


So, I did a little more research using Grok. My question was "How good is Salvation Army for disaster relief?" (You have to be specific with your question.)


If you get this Grok link to work, there is a lot of good things it lists ... in our personal opinion.

It does seems it is most effective, however you donate, if you have a person on the scene who can confirm the donation gets to the people in need.

Continue in your prayers .... it is a long haul.

Peggy I worked alongside Samaritan's Purse for several years. I was a team leader on chair saw crews with the the Maryland Delaware Baptist Association Disaster Relief. We did flood and hurricane relief up and down the East coast. Samaritan's Purse was usually the first ones in and last ones out.

You sparked my interest and so I looked up some stats. on both organizations. You are right about Samaritan's board of directors as far as pay is concerned but they're not out of line with most big tax exempt organizations.

Turns out the Salvation Army (which I supported for years) gives out 85% of their funds in aid while Samaritan's Purse gives out 90%. The Red Cross also comes out at 90% but a lot of that money goes to programs and training and such.

I live here in central Texas about 90 miles north of Kerrville and we got 10 inches of rain but are rural and not near any rivers so no danger of flooding

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/deadly-flooding-hits-central-texas/


https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Well, since I wasn't sure about the link, here is what Grok said:

The Salvation Army is widely recognized as a highly effective organization for disaster relief, with a strong track record of providing immediate and long-term support to communities affected by natural and man-made disasters. Their effectiveness stems from their extensive experience, established infrastructure, and community-focused approach. Below is an evaluation based on available information:

Strengths of The Salvation Army's Disaster Relief
1. **Rapid Response and Presence**
- The Salvation Army is often described as one of the first organizations to arrive at disaster sites and among the last to leave, leveraging their presence in nearly every U.S. zip code and 133 countries worldwide.
- They mobilize quickly, deploying mobile feeding units, rapid response units, and trained personnel to provide essentials like food, water, and shelter within hours of a disaster. For example, during Hurricane Harvey, they deployed 96 mobile feeding units and served over 2.8 million meals, drinks, and snacks.

2. **Comprehensive Services**
- Their disaster relief efforts focus on seven core services: food service, shelter, emotional and spiritual care, donations management, emergency assistance (e.g., clothing, gift cards), training, and long-term recovery. These services are adaptable to the specific needs of each disaster and community.
- They provide emotional and spiritual support, offering counseling, prayer, and a "ministry of presence" to help survivors and first responders cope with trauma.
- They manage donations responsibly, prioritizing cash donations for flexibility and efficiency while distributing in-kind goods like food, water, and hygiene items from well-stocked warehouses.

3. **Long-Term Recovery**
- The Salvation Army remains in affected areas for months or even years, supporting rebuilding efforts, distributing financial assistance, and collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies to develop recovery plans. For instance, after Hurricane Katrina, they allocated $225 million for long-term recovery, including home repairs and job training.
- They work with organizations like the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) to maximize impact and avoid duplicating services.

4. **Training and Preparedness**
- Their disaster preparedness training program equips volunteers and communities to respond effectively. They offer specialized courses in partnership with other agencies to prepare for emergencies.
- Their Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams, including the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN), provide technical support like communications during crises, enhancing response efficiency.

5. **Historical Impact**
- Since their first major disaster response to the Galveston Hurricane in 1900, The Salvation Army has responded to numerous crises, including the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and the 2001 September 11 attacks. Over the past decade, their World Service Office (SAWSO) provided $89.8 million in disaster aid globally.
- Their reputation improved significantly due to their effective responses to major disasters, earning praise for integrity from sources like Charity Navigator.

6. **Community Trust and Sentiment**
- Posts on X and public sentiment highlight The Salvation Army’s reliability compared to other organizations like the Red Cross, with users noting their efficiency, lower overhead costs, and direct assistance to survivors. For example, a user stated that 100% of donations go to relief efforts, and others praised their rapid deployment and practical support.


Areas for Consideration
1. **Donation Management**
- While they encourage cash donations for flexibility, they caution against uncoordinated in-kind donations (e.g., used clothing), which can overwhelm disaster sites and incur sorting and transport costs.
- Donors are advised to confirm specific needs with local Salvation Army units to ensure efficient use of resources.

2. **Emotional and Spiritual Care**
- Their focus on spiritual care, rooted in their Christian mission, may not resonate with all survivors. However, they provide these services upon request and without discrimination.

3. **Scale and Scope**
- While highly effective, their resources are finite, and the scale of some disasters may stretch their capacity. They rely heavily on partnerships with other organizations and government agencies to meet extensive needs.


Effectiveness Metrics
- **Financial Impact**: In 2022, The Salvation Army in the U.S. had expenditures of $3.6 billion, assisting over 32 million people, with disaster relief being a significant component.
- **Donation Efficiency**: They use 100% of donations designated for disaster relief directly for those operations, enhancing trust in their financial stewardship.
- **Operational Scale**: In Texas alone, they operate 32 mobile kitchens capable of serving 2,500 meals daily each, two field kitchens producing 15,000–20,000 meals daily, and other specialized units like mobile showers and command posts.


Conclusion
The Salvation Army is highly effective in disaster relief due to its rapid response, comprehensive and adaptable services, long-term commitment, and strong community presence. Their focus on both physical and emotional needs, combined with efficient donation management and partnerships, makes them a trusted leader in disaster response. For those looking to support their efforts, cash donations are recommended for maximum impact, and volunteering or training opportunities are available for community involvement.


For more details, visit their disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or contact your local Salvation Army to inquire about specific needs.

Just been thinking how terrible it must be for the families. Sending best wishes and prayers from downunder. Don king had just taken me through the Ozark river system and saw where the rivers had been up at least 6 yards. We have had heavy rain about 6 weeks ago and the weather reporters said it was a one in 500 year flood. We have only been settled for about 250 years so that has been a good weather report

More bad news!

We have another storm slamming the same area. Just south of the original bulls eye, they got 2-9” of rain. Rivers are supposed to crest at 19’ in uvalde. The same storm is heading straight at the Kerrville area. Praying that everyone stays safe!

How is the flood relief effort being affected by the shenanigans going on in the state legislature? I've heard rumors that some of the necessary actions on the part of the state government to deal with the crisis might be delayed or stopped altogether, at least temporarily. Hope not!
Jerry

It seems to me that more of a preparedness in a place called "Flash flood alley" would be the best
here moving forward. Local government should look at that. Sirens??