Bushfire Response and Recovery

Bushfire Response and Recovery

For those affected by bushfire disaster, the Salvos are here to help on the road to recovery.

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Bushfire response and recovery

The Black Summer bushfire disaster is having a long-lasting impact on Australian communities. As we move forward together to recover from the devastation, the Salvos are providing help to those in need.

As council permits get approved and land clearing is mostly completed, many in communities impacted by the bushfires of 2019-2020 are preparing for the next stage of recovery – rebuilding. But recovery is about more than rebuilding homes, it’s about rebuilding lives.

The Salvation Army is continuing to provide practical and emotional support to affected individuals and families as they reach different stages in their personal recovery journeys.

The Salvos has published a report on the 12-month Bushfire Disaster Appeal. To read or download the report please visit our report page below.
12-month Bushfire Disaster Appeal report

For those impacted by the devastating bushfires, recovery has been an ongoing journey that, for many, has only just begun. Responding to the needs of people impacted by disaster is a long-term commitment that requires different approaches at different phases of recovery.

The Salvation Army is active throughout the three major recovery phases:

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.

Need assistance?

While we have now allocated most of our grants, we remain in communities providing outreach, referrals and emotional support to those affected.

Please reach out if you need support. You can contact our team on:
Email – sal.disasters@salvationarmy.org.au
Phone – 1300 662 217

For more information on how we have provided help and support during this unprecedented disaster, please see our FAQ page.

Bushfire recovery grants

Applications for bushfire recovery grants are now closed.

To date, The Salvation Army has provided over $43 million in financial assistance through grants to over 14,000 impacted individuals and families to assist in their recovery.

Stories and News

Community needs at the heart of Salvos service during WA fires

4 February 2021Read more

 

SAES provide support for thirsty, fatigued Adelaide Hills fire crews

1 February 2021Read more

 

Salvation Army Emergency Services prepared to respond

6 January 2021Read more

 

Salvation Army Emergency Services ready to meet community's needs

15 October 2020Read more

 

Ongoing care key to supporting bushfire recovery

15 October 2020Read more

 

Salvos Bushfire Recovery Team heads to Wytaliba

15 October 2020Read more

 

Bushfire impacted families at home with new housing pods

25 June 2020Read more

 

Salvos detail method to bushfire recovery

16 June 2020Read more

 

Bushfire Disaster Appeal Report released

27 April 2020Read more

 

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