Hazard, KY – After heavy rainfall caused historic flooding across Kentucky and Tennessee over the weekend, The Salvation Army is mobilizing to assist impacted communities. Some areas received more than 8 inches of rain in just 24 hours, leading to widespread flooding, power outages, and water shortages. Hardest hit were communities in Eastern Kentucky, where the mayors of Hazard and Pikeville have described this as the worst flooding their towns have experienced in more than 40 years.
In response, The Salvation Army is deploying an Incident Management Team (IMT) to Hazard, KY, on Tuesday, February 18, to assess conditions and provide relief to those affected. The Salvation Army’s response typically includes hot meals, beverages, cleanup kits, personal hygiene kits, and other essential services.
“Our teams are always ready to serve in times of disaster,” said Bo Sells, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services Director for Kentucky & Tennessee. “Many of these same communities were devastated by the August 2022 floods, and once again, we are stepping in to help them recover. Whether it’s providing a hot meal, a bottle of water, or a listening ear, we will be there for our neighbors in need.”
The Salvation Army has a long history of disaster relief in Kentucky and Tennessee. Most recently, the organization responded to Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee in October, and many of the same personnel are leading efforts in this flood response. Major Brooks Gilliam, who served as Incident Commander in the Hurricane Helene response, will also lead this operation.
“Our mission is to bring hope in the midst of crisis,” said Major Gilliam. “We saw firsthand the devastation left by these storms, and we are committed to walking alongside these communities as they begin the recovery process.”
The Salvation Army has launched a fundraising effort to support relief efforts for this disaster. Those wishing to donate can do so through the following channels:
- Online: helpsalvationarmy.org
- Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2169)
- Mail: The Salvation Army, PO Box 436437, Louisville, KY 40253 (Memo: Kentucky-Tennessee Floods February 2025)
- Venmo: @SalvationArmyUSA (Note: Kentucky-Tennessee Floods February 2025)
- Corporate Gifts: disasterdonations@uss.salvationarmy.org or tyra.gore@uss.salvationarmy.org
- Stocks/Securities: Contact Chris Head at chris.head@uss.salvationarmy.org
As freezing temperatures and additional snowfall threaten already struggling communities, The Salvation Army asks for prayers and support for those affected, as well as for the disaster response teams deploying to assist.