Salvation Army readies disaster response as Hurricane Nolo approaches with threat of heavy rainfall, damaging winds

The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division readied its Emergency Disaster Services reinforcements in support of Hawai’i Island and Maui as Hurricane Nolo is on track to intensify into a major hurricane this weekend.

The Salvation Army is working closely alongside state and county leadership and local partners to prepare as Nolo approaches, anticipating activation to provide community feeding operations at county-operated emergency shelters.

Team members based in the islands and those deployed for the ongoing disaster response for Hurricane Lowell will continue after the storm to provide relief where needs are the greatest.

Nolo is predicted to carry significant rainfall to storm-weary communities still struggling to recover from waves of destructive weather systems.

“The sheer repetition of severe storms that have inundated Hawai’i in a matter of weeks is matched only by the resiliency of the inspiring people we’ve had the honor to serve, who time-after-time have risen up to help a neighbor and navigate the uncertainties of these disasters,” said The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Divisional Commander Maj. Troy Trimmer. “While the need is growing exponentially with each new stormfront to reach our shores, so too is our readiness to bring relief and advance the recovery of our communities.”

The Salvation Army’s Hilo Overnight Safe Space, regularly serving houseless members of the community, will temporarily relocate as of Friday evening to Hilo High School — a location designated by Hawai‘i County to help weather the anticipated hazardous conditions.

Safe space shelter guests will continue to be served by officers, staff and volunteers of The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps, who are familiar with the specialized needs and vulnerabilities of theses clients. Hawaiʻi Department of Health will also provide care support and Hawaiʻi Animal Kuleana Alliance is bringing kennels and pet supplies for many of the Hilo Overnight Safe Space guests seeking shelter with pets.

“We are grateful to [Hawaiʻi County] and our friends at [Hawaiʻi Animal Kuleana Alliance] in helping us ensure that the care of our overnight safe space clients goes on uninterrupted in the face of these challenging times,” said Hawaiʻi County coordinator and Hilo Temple Corps. Officer Capt. Felicia LeMar. “Together, we are providing a place for those who are houseless to not only ride out the storm, but to feel the community’s collective aloha.”

The Salvation Army during the past few weeks received shipments of replenishments to its local relief supplies such as cleaning kits, personal hygiene kits and baby essentials — which are at the ready for distribution — in coordination with community partners as needs continue to arise.

Since Hawai’i has endured the arrivals of Hurricane Lala and Tropical Storm Moke in August, followed by Hurricane Lowell earlier this month, The Salvation Army has walked alongside impacted communities statewide:

• Serving more than 18,000 meals.
• Providing $64,000+ in direct financial assistance to those impacted by disaster.
• Distributing more than 700 cleaning kits to households navigating debris and flood damage.
• Serving more than 11,600 people on the Big Island as part of The Salvation Army’s disaster response.

Donations are needed to help provide Emergency Disaster Services meals, essential supplies and emotional and spiritual care to neighbors being affected and displaced. Visit The Salvation Army website to learn more or offer your support.