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Emergency and Disaster Response and Recovery

Officers talking to a woman affected by the flood

We understand that disasters and emergencies have a destabilising and traumatic impact on those affected. No one should have to go it alone, so when a disaster strikes, we're ready to meet people at their point of need.

The very nature of disasters and emergencies means that people have very little time to prepare, and often need fast and immediate help. Our emergency support workers can provide immediate financial and practical assistance with no long forms to fill out or waiting periods.

When the emergency is over, we remain with communities to provide longer-term support through services that reflect the needs of the community. This long-term support can mean many months, and even years, of holistic care for those affected.

Where we help

We provide medium and long-term disaster assistance after significant natural or man-made disasters, such as:

  • Bushfires
  • Floods
  • Storm damage
  • Earthquakes
  • Droughts

See our attended emergencies

How we help

Our focus is on the restoration of physical, emotional, environmental and economic well-being for affected people. We do this through:

  • A vast network of community services, drawing on experts in a range of fields to assist in the recovery journey.
  • Emergency catering services provided by Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams who are among the first relief teams to arrive on the ground after a disaster.
  • Chaplains and support workers deployed to homes, schools or town-hall settings to work with individuals or groups.
  • Emergency workers providing immediate assistance with cash grants and goods
  • Financial counsellors who help disaster-impacted people work through complex longer-term financial issues.
  • A refreshing break during times of intense stress. We offer children places at our kids camps or grants for short breaks away from the disaster area.
  • Employment and training services.

Rebuilding after disaster strikes

The Salvation Army has spent years working with people affected by crisis or disaster, helping them get back on their feet.

Our free film 'Still Standing' tells the stories of people from across this great nation who have been impacted by a natural disaster, crisis or traumatic experience. We acknowledge their courage, resilience, and determination to not allow these events to define their future.

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