Hot Springs Salvation Army provides Hurricane Ida relief
“This is my third hurricane that I’m going to.” — Captain Bryan Brinlee
The Salvation Army of Hot Springs will be deployed to Gonzales, La., by 5 p.m. today, serving those affected by Hurricane Ida through Sept. 13, Captain Bryan Brinlee said Monday.
“We provide drinks and water,” Brinlee said. “Sometimes we have hygiene kits, bug spray, sunscreen, stuff like that … but mainly food and water, and supporting people while they’re trying to put their houses back together.”
According to a news release, The Salvation Army is already at work in many communities on a daily basis that found themselves in the path of the storm. Water, cleanup kits, food and shelter supplies have been staged and are ready to be sent to the affected areas with mobile feeding units and crews deployed from Arkansas and Oklahoma.
“This is my third hurricane that I’m going to,” Brinlee said. “I enjoy working disaster (relief). When I get back, my wife may end up going.”
If deployed, Captain Tracy Brinlee will work as a safety manager, providing COVID-19 screenings on The Salvation Army volunteers and employees serving the disaster. As a mental help therapist, she will also provide wellness checks.
The Brinlees assumed their positions on June 27, coming to Hot Springs from Chickasha, Okla., where for the last year they were responsible for the programs and
services of the Grady and Caddo County Salvation Army. Formerly, Bryan Brinlee owned and operated a construction company for 12 years while Tracy Brinlee was a licensed professional counselor.
“It has been exciting to meet the people of Hot Springs and discover the opportunities for ministry here,” Bryan Brinlee said. “We look forward to meeting the needs of this community and ‘Doing The Most Good’ alongside the staff, volunteers, and supporters of The Salvation Army.”
The couple is responsible for all church programs and social services at The Salvation Army including the Red Shield Café, three family stores, the Kids Program on Wednesdays, Sunday school starting at 9:30 a.m., followed by church service at 11 a.m.
According to the release, the best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation.
“Cash is flexible,” it states. “It can be used immediately in response to a crisis, and allows disaster relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when it’s needed. Cash gives relief organizations the means to procure supplies near the affected area, which cuts down on transportation time and cost. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.”
Anyone interested in donating to the Hurricane Ida relief fund can go to https://www. helpsalvationarmy.org or call 800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769).