LIHUE — The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division issued ITS Impact Report for FY2018, representing social service and program outreach from Oct. 1, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2018.
The Salvation Army provides essential programs and services across Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Key areas of assistance include basic needs, drug & alcohol rehabilitation, emergency disaster services, senior care, spiritual services, and youth services.
“While providing our essential programs and services in 2018, we also were able to respond to extraordinary natural disasters with the help of many in our community,” said Major Jeff Martin, Divisional Leader for The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division. “We are humbled and grateful for our donors and partners who helped make it possible for us to serve thousands of families across our island division. Mahalo for your kindness and Happy New Year from all of us at The Salvation Army!”
Among the FY2018 service highlights:
• 88,518 people were served
• 8,589 children served with basic needs
• 5,899 drug treatment services provided
• 432 families provided housing assistance
• 18,880 housing and lodging services provided
• 883,003 meals served
• 23,931 clothing and furniture items distributed
• 58,831 gifts and toys distributed
Also during FY2018, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services provided support at numerous events including the Puna lava flow on Hawaii Island. Among the highlights:
• Doordinated the food service for 61,963 meals at emergency shelters in the Puna District
• Regularly purchased meals to support vendors and local businesses in Pahoa, Keaau, and Volcano Village
• In addition, The Salvation Army operated a distribution center at the Pahoa Community Center providing: 2,000 food boxes; 1,602 cases of water; 1,310 hygiene kits; 2,117 mosquito repellent cans