PRESS RELEASE
The Salvation Army Works Disaster
Recovery Plans for Browns Valley
March 21, 2007 –After over-ground flooding caused by melting snow and ice jams on the Little Minnesota River damaged approximately 150 structures in Traverse County, The Salvation Army disaster team began providing meals and physical assistance to affected citizens in Browns Valley Minnesota.
To date more than 450 meals have been served and a small distribution center has been opened to provide clean-up kits and other essential items.
“There are really so many needs in the community,” said Peggy Kill, Salvation Army service extension representative for the region. “This is really devastating for people like the elderly on fixed incomes and so many renters who did not have insurance for the damage done to their personal property.”
Kill says that The Salvation Army is working with other agencies to cover all of the needs without duplication but there will be a need for help from outside the community.
“It is likely that this event will not receive federal funding so we must make sure we have plans in place to help people recover,” Kill said.
The city is planning on a clean-up effort this weekend and inviting people from outside the community to help local families. The Salvation Army will be helping to provide a hot meal at the local elementary school.
“There will be a noon meal on Saturday and Sunday and we will be providing take out meals as well,” Kill said.
Although the water receded there are houses that still have water in the basements, according to Kill. But the effects will last much longer.
“I talked to a single dad today with two children who were living in the basement of his grandmothers’ house,” Kill said. “They don’t have renters insurance and they lost the beds, all their clothing and the kid’s toys. On top of that the flooding backed up the sewer so nothing can be salvaged.”
The Salvation Army responds to disasters when called in by local leaders and is dedicated to providing unduplicated assistance and working alongside like-minded agencies to meet human need without discrimination. Disaster relief donations should include a memo for Traverse County. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks earmarked "Disaster Relief" may be sent to The Salvation Army at 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
