Activating at evacuation and recovery centres during and in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES), rural chaplains and local Salvos met the immediate needs of those impacted. In this phase food, water, shelter and medicine, were a priority. Salvos were also providing emotional and spiritual support to people during that stressful time.

After the initial emergency settles down, impacted people have time to assess the damage to their homes and livelihoods. Finding temporary stable accommodation and adjusting to a ‘new normal’ happens in this phase.

The Salvation Army assessed and provided up to $18 million in direct financial assistance during this phase to assist people in early recovery to cover expenses such as living costs and the extensive clean-up of their properties.

This is the phase many people are now in and where they come across large expenses. As council permits get approved and the initial shock of the disaster eases, many are beginning to rebuild permanent structures. For others, this is the first time they have reached out to The Salvation Army for help. In addition to providing individuals and families with further financial assistance, this is where we also support with community activities. Local Salvos are active participants in community consultation to support recovery needs, help map out a way forward and invest in local initiatives to restore vibrant communities. As a national organisation that is locally embedded, Salvos not only understand their community – they are a part of it, which means they are often there before, during and after a disaster strikes.