Assistance Continues for Evacuees of San Francisco Chinatown Fire
San Francisco, CA (February 5, 2017): The Salvation Army in partnership with the City of San Francisco and the American Red Cross continue responding to the needs of over twenty low-income seniors displaced by the San Francisco Chinatown Fire that began on February 3 at 1199 Stockton Street.
The Army and Red Cross are continuing to provide a safe shelter in evacuees’ own community at The Salvation Army Chinatown Corps at 1450 Powell Street near Broadway. “Most of these folks are monolingual Cantonese-speaking, low-income seniors, so it was important for their sense of well-being to remain close to home and their families,” said Director of Emergency Disaster Services, John McKnight.
In addition to offering a secure facility for the shelter, The Salvation Army officers, staff, and volunteers have gone above and beyond to provide comfort for the survivors. On Saturday, neighborhood restaurants donated warm, healthy meals and nearby relatives joined many of the seniors, providing much-needed fellowship and care. The Army also worked with community volunteers to purchase fresh, new clothing including shirts, underwear, socks and more.
“We will continue to provide shelter, comfort, and care to evacuees until the City finds them their next place of residence,” said McKnight. “It is a privilege to serve people in need, and we invite the community to join us in supporting the recent survivors.”
Donations
The best way to help fire survivors is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to meet the needs of disaster survivors. The Salvation Army uses 100 percent of all disaster donations in support of disaster relief operations.
Designated donations to the fire victims will support the families whom The Army assists. There are single home fires every week in San Francisco. The cost to The Salvation Army to provide assistance is rising faster than the funds on-hand to help fire victims. The public can support The Salvation Army’s Chinatown Fire disaster relief efforts:
Online: Visit salar.my/chinatownfires to donate online
Mail: Designate “The San Francisco Chinatown Fire” on check/money order, mail to:
The Salvation Army Golden State Division
832 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
About The Salvation Army: Since 1883, The Salvation Army has been serving the San Francisco Bay Area, offering practical support, spiritual comfort and a critical safety net to people in need. The Army has 16 facilities throughout San Francisco providing a myriad of services, including youth programs, meal delivery, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, transitional housing, and nutritional and housing support for seniors. In addition, the Army also provides disaster relief services. For more information on Salvation Army activities in San Francisco and the Bay Area, visit online at: www.sanfrancisco.salvationarmy.org
The Salvation Army Chinatown Corps, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown at 1450 Powell Street, has been serving the neighborhood for over 130 years, providing senior meal and activity programs; youth afterschool and tutoring programs; summer day camp for kids; a weekly food pantry; women’s fellowship groups; worship services and more.