The Texas Emergency Disaster Services has fleet of 43 mobile kitchens from Salvation Army Area Command and Citadel Corps location around Texas, each with the capacity to provide 2,500 meals per day, are stocked and ready for deployment at a moments notice in times of disaster. They travel the streets to provide hot meals to survivors and relief workers. We also have a 54 ft Field Kitchen that can set up a meal station near busy work sites or in community locations where neighbors and volunteers gather for support.
The local Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services team currently have one mobile kitchen which is stationary for food prep and an rapid response unit “Harvey One”, which is able to drive about communities ravaged by disasters.
During the aftermath of a disaster, survivors can feel hurt, upset or overwhelmed and they can turn to our EDS team for support. Spiritual ministry is key for our disaster staff and volunteers to be available to pray with individuals in their time of need, and Salvation Army Officers can provide pastoral care. Our staff and volunteers are trained in emotional and spiritual care to provide counseling to lend an ear to listen, no matter what the subject.
Communication is very important to survivors of disaster, and time is of the essence in letting families know their loved ones are safe. We locate survivors and provide information their family and friends through The Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Network (SATERN).
The Salvation Army works closely with other disaster relief organizations and government agencies to maximize our impact and avoid duplication services. We are also active members of the Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.
Our local disaster efforts are part of the nationwide Emergency Disaster Services of The Salvation Army. Our volunteers may serve locally, or may even be called out to a state-wide or national disaster.
Our canteens have provided practical assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, the Wimberley floods, Onion Creek flooding, the Bastrop wildfires, the explosion in West, Texas, local plane crashes and hazmat spills and many other events. Our volunteers, mobile kitchens and catering trucks mobilize immediately to provide food and hydration to first responders and survivors. We provide long-term disaster recovery efforts as well.
A disaster can change someone’s life in a matter of seconds. When tornadoes, floods and other disasters strike, we provide critical services to make sure survivors have the support needed to rebuild their lives.
In the event of a disaster, we are your hub for updates on the most needed supplies and how you can help the survivors – by donating or training to volunteer. We train disaster volunteers year-round at locations throughout Texas.
The Salvation Army is known for being the first service agency to arrive and the last to leave – our commitment is to help people through to the end. Once the dust settles, our staff and volunteers stay for weeks, months or even years until we’ve done all we can to help.
Get up to date news from the national Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services website, and find out how The Salvation Army EDS teams are involved in providing assistance across the country in times of disaster.
Our volunteers are prepared to respond at a moment’s notice to a disaster. Would you like to join our volunteer team? Once you complete the application (link below), someone from our local staff will follow up with you shortly.
If you would like to help those impacted by Disaster, and you aren’t available to volunteer, the best way to help is to make a financial contribution. Cash donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors without incurring many of the costs associated with sorting, packing, transporting and distributing donated goods. Salvation Army disaster services are funded entirely by donors, and The Salvation Army uses 100% of all disaster donations in support of disaster relief operations.
Learn more about The Salvation Army Disaster Relief Services around the country.
Our Mission
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.