PRESS RELEASE

The Salvation Army Ramps Up Service Across Chile

March 8, 2010 – The Salvation Army is working with the Chilean government and Chilean Emergency Service Ministries to continue providing assistance to earthquake survivors across the country following the 8.8 earthquake that struck Feb. 27.

Among The Salvation Army’s efforts:

SOUTHERN CHILE:
Salvation Army staff and volunteers are serving residents without water, electricity and other utilities.

Many towns are no longer in place, totally destroyed by the tsunami. Some of these towns include Tomė, Dichato, Constitucion, Talca and others.

Concepcion:
-Salvation Army staff and volunteers continue to provide emergency services to thousands of displaced residents.

Hualpen:
-The Hualpencillo Salvation Army operations center continues to serve as a headquarters for food distribution.

-As of March 3, three Salvation Army crews are bringing provisions to outlying areas.

-Additional teams are being deployed from Santiago.

-The leader of the Hualpencillo Salvation Army lost her home to the tsunami and is camped out at the property to take care of people in even greater need.

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.

SANTIAGO:
-The Salvation Army is providing an average of 3,000 meals a day. These numbers continue to grow. Water, first aid supplies, blankets, candles and other emergency supplies are being distributed as needed.

As the magnitude of devastation continues to escalate, Salvation Army staff and volunteers continue to work feverishly to provide support and comfort to those affected. In Santiago, several young Salvationist professionals are reaching out and creating databases to facilitate more efficient registration of clients by social workers. Additionally, they continue to strive to make contact with the Christian media in the Santiago metropolitan region.

Salvation Army facilities have been severely damaged in both Central and Southern Chile. In the Central Division alone, the assessments were completed on Wednesday and damages are estimated at over $500,000. In South Chile, some structures are now uninhabitable. In El Faro, The Salvation Army has had to completely halt all services for fear of infrastructure collapse. This complex provided housing to college students whose hometowns are far from this community so they reside at The Salvation Army.

Lt. Colonel F. Bradford Bailey, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army South America West, said the earthquake initially did not show signs of catastrophic proportions, but seems to be breaking down the infrastructure from the inside out.

“This earthquake has not only caused physical damage but is has caused damage to the psyche and social conditions of Chile,” he said. “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.”

For more information about The Salvation Army’s response in Chile click here.

If you would like to make a financial contribution to The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, you can donate through:
•Online Credit Card Contributions
• Text 'CHILE ’ to 52000
•Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY
•Mail a check to
The Salvation Army
2445 Prior AVE N
Roseville, MN 55313 *Please note that your donation is for Chile Earthquake relief*
•Even before donations are processed, The Salvation Army is committing and spending money on relief efforts in Chile. Donations are critical now and also help ensure that the long-term needs of the Chilean people are met. Click below to make an online donation.