Leaders of FEMA and The Salvation Army signed a new memorandum today, outlining how the organizations will continue to cooperate in carrying out disaster preparedness, response, recovery and other emergency management operations.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and The Salvation Army’s National Commander, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder signed the memorandum of agreement as the latest formalization of the organizations’ longstanding partnership.
“When helping people before, during and after a disaster, we cannot do it alone. As we continue to face the impacts of climate change and related extreme weather events, the most powerful resources we have are our partners, and this includes the dedicated team over at The Salvation Army,” said Administrator Criswell. “This memorandum of understanding between FEMA and The Salvation Army underscores the importance of this partnership and our unyielding commitment to better serve our communities.”
“While each disaster creates its own unique circumstances and challenges, Salvation Army disaster relief efforts focus on bringing immediate relief, hope and healing to people who find themselves in the midst of extremely difficult situations,” said Commissioner Hodder. “Our partnership with FEMA allows us to work together in the most important mission of any disaster relief operation — meeting the immediate and long-term recovery needs of every survivor and first responder.”
The first memorandum between the two organizations was signed in 1980. Today’s update outlines how the two agencies will streamline information sharing to ensure better coordination; leverage FEMA’s authority to support private non-profit organizations; and expand The Salvation Army’s support in the National Response Coordination Center.
The Salvation Army and FEMA have collaborated to support disaster response and recovery efforts during major events such as Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and COVID-19. Additionally, the two organizations have also worked together for other major projects, including the development and implementation of federal response plans, including the National Response Framework.