The Salvation Army Continues to Help Victims of Swissvale Apartment Fire

Salvation Army Continues To Help Victims Who Lost Everything In Last Week’s Swissvale Apartment Fire

Carnegie, PA, March 9, 2016:  Since last week’s devastating apartment building fire in Swissvale that left 49 people, including 25 children homeless, The Salvation Army has been busy rallying support, assessing needs and providing direct assistance to those affected.   The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Team was one of the first on the scene of the fire last Tuesday, providing support to both first responders and victims; but that was just the beginning of meeting the needs of those affected.     

At a meeting last Friday convened by The Allegheny Department of Heath, gift cards were provided by The Salvation Army so that fire victims were able to purchase things that were of immediate need.  The Salvation Army also provided each family with a form to be signed by the landlord when making arrangements for a new apartment, indicating the amount of security deposit and first month’s rent.   Being trained in grief counseling, The Salvation Army personnel in attendance were also able to provide much needed emotional support to many of those affected.   As of March 8^th, there have already been two families provided with the rent assistance needed to move into their new apartments.   Families have been coming daily to The Salvation Army Worship and Service Center in Braddock, where staff including a social worker and Salvation Army officers Captains Christopher and Jennifer Blessing have been assessing needs and distributing material assistance.  “We’ve also provided backpacks and toys for the children.  It’s amazing how a gesture as simple as that helps to provide a sense of normalcy and hope for these families, knowing that we truly care for them,”said Captain Christopher Blessing.

“The morning after the fire occurred, we authorized spending to assist victims with immediate needs and rent assistance, and reached out to The United Way to request matching funds.  We realize how important it is to act quickly when people are left with nothing,”said Major Deborah Sedlar, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army of Western PA, “It’s wonderful to see individuals, churches and other agencies from inside and outside of the community wanting to help, and we’re blessed to be a position to work directly with the families and use these resources to effectively and efficiently assist them.”  The United Way committed to the matching funds and has set up an account to which the public can donate to assist.  A direct link to the account can be found on both The United Way’s Facebook Page and on The Salvation Army’s Facebook page at:  www.facebook.com/SalvationArmyWesternPA

Celebrating 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865.  Today, it provides critical services in 127 countries worldwide.  The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services.  To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log on to www.wpa.salvationarmy.org  The Salvation Army …doing the most good for the most people in the most need.