Salvation Army workers construct a temporary shelter for those still displaced by the January earthquake.

The Salvation Army will complete the construction of 600 housing shelters through the Transitional Shelter Program in Jacmel, Haiti this week, to assist in relocating earthquake-displaced Haitians back to their home communities. Over the past six months The Salvation Army has transitioned from providing for immediate needs, including temporary shelter, food, water and medical attention to providing long-term recovery services to help return survivors to a level of normalcy in their lives. The long-term rebuilding process has employed more than 400 Haitians as carpenters and construction crew-members to assist in reconstruction efforts.

“The level of care and steps taken to rebuild Haiti has been astonishing, with this transitional housing project highlighting the significant strides everyone has made over the past six months,” said Lt. Colonel Dan Starrett Executive Director of The Salvation Army World Service Office. “Housing shelters have been built in some of the most heavily impacted areas in Haiti, including Jacmel, Bainet, Lilette and Bellami. The Salvation Army has had a major presence in Haiti since the 1950s and we’ll continue to provide earthquake relief services for as long as the need is there.”

Haitian officials and residents worked closely with The Salvation Army to plan and manage the transitional housing shelters project which allowed for a quick design and building process. Through both volunteerism and temporary employment by The Salvation Army, residents of Haiti have been directly involved in the reconstruction of their communities. The Salvation Army provided technical specialists as needed for the project and Haitian teams were trained by The Salvation Army’s transitional housing team. Others were hired to clear land for the construction of the homes. In all, more than 400 Haitians, comprising at least 45 construction teams, were trained to supervise and build 600 homes.

“For the safety and well-being of the thousands of Haitians who have been displaced, it was critical that we constructed these homes as quickly and strongly as possible with the hurricane season here,” said Lt. Colonel Starrett. “The ultimate goal of our emergency service in Haiti is to provide the resources for the community to return to self sufficiency at a level that exceeds conditions before the earthquake. These homes are the first steps of many in that direction.”

Following the construction of the 600 shelters in Jacmel, which began on June 5, The Salvation Army will work with government officials in Haiti to plan the second phase of development for an additional 500 homes in Jacmel and another 1,000-1,500 homes in Petit-Goâve, which felt a strong 5.9 magnitude aftershock on January 20. The quake’s epicenter was almost directly under Petit-Goâve, severely damaging the city. Each home will take one day to complete, with each costing approximately $1,800. Like in Jacmel, the homes will be built on existing home sites. Individuals and families who have lost their homes due to the earthquake must own the property on which their new home will be built in order to obtain a shelter. Families are helped first, followed by single women with children and other vulnerable populations.

Locally, The Indiana Salvation Army sent down some of the first response teams following the January earthquake (http://salvationarmyindiana.org/2010/local-response-team-heads-to-haiti/).  The support of Hoosiers for The Salvation Army’s relief efforts was overwhelming.  “We are proud of Central Indiana’s response to the crisis in Haiti.  Hoosiers donated nearly $400,000 to Haitian disaster relief and today’s news shows that their investment has produced tangible results. The effort continues both in Haiti and in Indianapolis to rebuild communities and restore lives. We want to express our thanks to all Hoosiers who have contributed and continue to support our mission,” said Jeff Stanger, Development Director for the Indiana Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army set up a Haiti relief fund and is accepting monetary donations. Donors may contribute $10 via their phone bill by text messaging the word “HAITI” to 52000, and confirming the donation with the word, “Yes.”  Donors can also give via www.salvationarmyusa.org, 1-800-SAL-ARMY and through the mail at: The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728 with designation “Haiti Earthquake.” To date, more than $20.5 million has been donated to The Salvation Army to assist in the development of the housing units, provide 5.4 million meals, as well as other immediate and long-term recovery services in Haiti. Through the shelter campaign, The Salvation Army will continue will provide over 4400 shelters in the next 6-12 months in Jacmel, Petit-Goâve and Port -au-Prince.

Prior to the earthquake, The Salvation Army in Haiti operated schools, clinics, a hospital, feeding programs, children’s homes and church-related activities through some 60 Corps community centers across the country.  One Salvation Army facility in Port-au-Prince includes a home for more than 50 children; a school with a daily attendance of 1,500 children; a medical clinic caring for 150-200 people daily; and a church that on any typical Sunday welcomes nearly 1,000 people.

Since January 12, The Salvation Army, along with the United Nations, local governments, and nongovernmental organizations has cared for the 20,000 individuals who have been displaced from their homes, living at a soccer field adjacent to a Salvation Army facility in Port-au-Prince. To establish a safe environment, a Camp Security force has been formed made up of 45 Haitian members from the camp itself. The team has been trained in security techniques by The Salvation Army and the United Nations. Medical care and nutritional services are also being provided to meet the needs of all individuals at the camp; including water purification units that supply 20,000 – 30,000 gallons of purified water or 4.2 million gallons of water daily.

Majors Jim and Pat Irvine were installed as the new Salvation Army Commanding Officers in Lafayette. (photo courtesy of WLFI)

The Salvation Army in Lafayette welcomed their new Commanding Officers on Sunday, July 11.  Majors Jim and Pat Irvine were installed as the new Salvation Army leaders in Lafayette at a luncheon at The Salvation Army’s corps building.

The Irvine’s were previously stationed in Greenbay Wisconsin and have served as officers in The Salvation Army for 18 years.

Read the WLFI story by clicking here.

Retired Commissioners Kenneth and Joy Baillie with Majors Richard and Vicki Amick, Majors Keith and Sherrie Welch, Glenn Welch and Dr. Kerchal Armstrong at Brengle birth site.

Down by the Blue River, among the lively old oaks and rolling hills of southern Indiana was born a man whose influence would someday travel the world. Samuel Logan Brengle, born  June 1, 1860 in Fredericksburg went on to become the first Salvation Army Commissioner born in the United States. The Indiana Division gathered in Fredericksburg on Sunday to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Brengle’s birth, with songs and stories.

After graduating from DePauw University in Indiana, Brengle spent much of his young adulthood making his way around the country evangelizing. “Many of our generation have stories to tell of relatives having shown hospitality to those such as Brengle. They get around, these itinerant traveling preachers.” said Commissioner Kenneth Baillie, who came to participate in the celebration. And the stories were lively on this day, as several locals wandered into the freshly cut field to share their memories of Brengle’s legacy in Fredericksburg. Local Ben Weathers described his experience at the 100th year remembrance of Brengle’s birth. He was only 16 at the time but remembers The Salvation Army personnel camping overnight by the river to carry out a more lengthy celebration. Weathers mingled for the afternoon, on this day 50 years later, and Commissioner Baillie presented him with a book by Brengle.

Fredericksburg United Methodist Episcopal Church, Brengle’s first church home, welcomed the Indiana Divisional Band and other guests, including Commissioners Kenneth and Joy Baillie and Majors Richard and Vicki Amick. Following the sermon, delivered by Commissioner Baillie, the festivities continued at the location of Samuel Brengle’s birth site just down the road from the church. Nearby was also a cemetery where several of Brengle’s relatives were laid to rest; small red flags marking the stones for visitors to recognize.

With the cooperation of mild temperatures and no rain, Roxanne Haley brought the EDS canteen from the New Albany Corps to serve lunch to the locals and guests. The afternoon was concluded by a short dedication and congratulatory words shared from various state and national leaders who could not attend.

The monuments and street signs at Jefferson and Fredericksburg/Depauw Rd.  will remain to mark the birth site of Samuel Brengle for all who wish to visit and pay tribute to the man who said with passion for his savior and people, “All that God asks is that the heart should be cleansed from sin, and full of love, whether it be the tender heart of the little child, with feeble powers of loving, or of the full-grown man, or of the flaming archangel before the throne. This is holiness and this only. It is nothing less than this, and it can be nothing more.”

Alexandria, VA:– Over the weekend of April 24th, The Salvation Army World Service Organization (SAWSO) and Numana, Inc. reached a milestone in their partnership. Ten million meals have been packed to help the people of Haiti receive life sustaining nourishment.

Meals are being packaged by volunteers at mass events throughout United States. The events of April 24-25 in San Francisco saw 1.019 million meals packaged in one day. The packing in Champaign-Urbana saw another 1.012 million meals prepared, while the packing in New London, CT, saw 269,016 meals packaged, ready to be shipped.

Lt. Colonel Dan Starrett, Executive Director for SAWSO, said, “We are amazed at the amount of volunteers that have come along side Numana, Inc. and The Salvation Army in this partnership. There are many who have volunteered to help the people of Haiti who never would have thought to volunteer before.”

Since the January 12, 2010, earthquake that devastated the country of Haiti, more than 72,000 volunteers have come together as caring communities to feed those devastated

Numana, Inc. meals have four components: Rice, soy, freeze-dried vegetables with chicken flavoring, and 21 vitamins targeted to help the immune system. Rice and beans are also being shipped, as they are a staple food to Haitians.

Numana, Inc. packing events for SAWSO have been planned through May. To check on a Numana, Inc. packing event, please look to www.numanainc.com.

Founded in London England, The Salvation Army came to the United States when Lieutenant Eliza Shirley left England to join her parents, who had migrated to America in search for work. In 1879, she held the first meeting of The Salvation Army in America, in Philadelphia.  On March 10, 1880, Commissioner George Scott Railton and seven other officers arrived in New York City to begin the Army’s mission there. Three years later, Railton and other Salvationists had expanded their operation into California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

National Salvation Army Week was officially recognized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954.  President Eisenhower stated that, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood. Their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is a neighbor and kin to all Americans. Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”

To find out more information about National Salvation Army Week, the special events, or how you can make a donation to the local Salvation Army, call (765)742-0006

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Your help has been great and we thank you. If you find that you can help again please do. You financial help keeps our doors open and the assistance we give going. We have been serving the Lafayette. IN area for 114 years this May and wish to continue to do so. God has blessed us by calling on you to help.

Receive a blessing for Him today.

Major Nelson De La Vergne, Corps Officer her in Lafayette, IN

Protest for Pluto, among many other local artists, helped The Salvation Army's Haiti relief effort by participating in the benefit concert Rockin' for Haiti. – photo by Lisa Hillman

Shenandoah High School in Middletown, Ind. was unusually busy Saturday, March 20 with music from several choirs and bands as part of Rockin’ for Haiti – a benefit concert to help the victims of the Haitian earthquake that occurred three months ago. Sulphur Springs Christian Church sponsored the event with music ranging from Christian rock to blue grass and folk.

Church member Celeste Bramlett thought of the idea. “We had one of our youth at church just come home, literally two days from when the quake hit,” wrote Bramlett in an email about the reason for putting on this event. “He was doing mission work at one of the orphanages in Haiti. Also, my supervisor is part of a group called Safe Families and was quickly making arrangements for Haitian children who had been orphaned to stay with his family here in the states for a while. So it was really on a personal level that I wanted to help. I knew if the community got involved in the name of God, great things would happen.”

After Bramlett consulted others about putting on the concert, the support was great. “Everyone wanted to be involved,” says Bramlett.

Concert manager Lisa Hillman decided that all proceeds would go to The Salvation Army’s Haiti relief effort, knowing that all funds donated to The Salvation Army would go directly to aiding the earthquake victims. “We were able to donate $930 from the evening through both door entry and concessions,” says Hillman.

Four hours of music was heard by about 200 attendees that night. With headliner Protest for Pluto and bands The Grasshopper and Exit One9, and many individual talents, the event was a success accomplished through community involvement and compassion.

Click here to view more photos by Lisa Hillman of Rockin’ for Haiti.

Easter brings the Son who die on a cross and on the third day rose from the grave. Giving a promise of life renewed. Free of death, free of illness, free of the hurts of this world. Life that is pure with out a speck of sin.

We think of spring and Easter as a time to start again. Time to plant new flowers and plants, time to put on a fresh coat of paint on the house and fence. Time to restart the fitness program to lose weight. Time to look to God for His Grace so rich and free as it is written in His word. Time to call upon Him to refresh us with a clean start, new life. Yes, Spring and Easter is a good time to restart, but shouldn’t we just keep in His light all the year long and then be refreshed on Easter.

Don’t forget to go to the Easter service this Sunday. It can be a new start for you.

Nelson De La Vergne, Corps Officer of the Lafayette, IN, The  Salvation Army

If you would like to be a part of this fundraiser you can go to the Homeward Bound website (www.HomewardBoundIndiana.org) to register. I would ask that you choose The Salvation Army of Lafayette as your support agency. You can pick any of the agencies listed. So come out and join us – rain or shine!

Money raised through the walk will go to help local agencies that work with the homeless in many ways. I look forward to seeing you there!

Major Nelson De La Vergne

Kris Allen, last year's American Idol winner, teamed up with the UN to pay a special visit to The Salvation Army in Port au Prince

Alexandria, VA – Courtesy of the United Nations, Kris Allen, the 2009 winner of American Idol, recently visited Haiti. The visit’s intention was to bring awareness to the work in Haiti as well as the continued need for support in the ongoing efforts to help those affected by the January 12 earthquake.
The Salvation Army camp in Port-Au-Prince was chosen as one of four locations for Kris to tour while on his whirlwind visit.

The camp is currently home to more than 4,000 Haitian families. Kris toured the camp, visited with staff, and played with children as well as communicated with camp residents through an interpreter.

The Salvation Army and our partner agency on the camp, Concern Worldwide, met with the most recent American Idol. Damaris Frick, Camp Manager from The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters and Major Cedric Hills, Incident Commander for Organization represented The Salvation Army and provided information to Kris as he toured the camp. He was also introduced to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Camp Committee. (The Camp Committee is formed of Haiti citizens who help provide leadership and act as liaisons for the camp residents).

During Kris’ visit, he met with Major Agnes Wahli who was busy with the registration process and issuing new ration cards as part of the new UPS Trackpad program. The Salvation Army is replacing handwritten paper index cards with high-tech barcode technology to ensure that families receive food, shelter and medical supplies in a highly efficient manner. UPS donated the technology and adapted it for disaster relief supply distribution. This technology will allow Salvation Army staff members to be able to confirm what goods each family receives by tracking the information embedded in a laminated card that bears unique barcodes associated with the family. Kris even helped with one of the registrations!

Kris’ visit ended after chatting with Concern Worldwide and visiting their mother and infant tent and singing Amazing Grace.   Last Thursday’s American Idol results show on Fox featured Kris’s visit as a fund-raiser for the Idol Gives Back charity.