Salvation Army mobilizes emergency services in response to powerful kona low

The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division deployed its Emergency Disaster Services team this week to serve more than 600 meals for first responders and residents taking shelter from severe weather conditions throughout Hawaiʻi.

“As long as there is community need, we’ll be there,” said The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Divisional Commander Maj. Troy Trimmer in a release about the organization’s efforts. “Our corps officers, staff and volunteers continue to stand alongside our first responders and community members needing assistance.”

The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps on Hawai‘i Island opened its Overnight Safe Space early Friday, March 13, to offer shelter to houseless community members ahead of the incoming powerful kona low.

It will continue to operate day and night while severe weather conditions remain.

“Today, we are opening our day shelter … to serve our houseless ʻohana, providing a safe place to come in from the weather,” wrote Hilo Temple Corps in a Saturday morning, March 14, post on Facebook. “In addition, our team is partnering with the County of Hawaiʻi to provide meals for those staying in county emergency shelters.”

Hilo Temple Corps began Saturday providing three meals a day to residents sheltering at Hawai‘i County’s Pu‘u‘eo Community Center.

The Salvation Army coordinated meals for people and families staying at seven O‘ahu shelters, as well as staff at O‘ahu Emergency Operations Center. Its Adult Rehabilitation Center kitchen team mobilized to prepare meals for select shelters.

Additionally, Domino’s Hawai‘i — a dedicated Salvation Army community partner — delivered donated pizzas for dinner Friday evening to people sheltering at the Wahiawā District Park shelter.

The Salvation Army is monitoring the severe weather situation closely, with volunteers and staff at the ready to help when needed.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community during times of need,” Hilo Temple Corps wrote, thanking its staff and volunteers, “who step up whenever the call to serve comes.” “Please keep our island and those affected by this weather in your prayers.”

Learn more about The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services at The Salvation Army Hawai’i and Pacific Islands Division website.