Salvation Army in USA Begins Emergency Response After Tornadoes Rip Through Midwest States

After powerful tornadoes caused serious damage in the US states of Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky, The Salvation Army activated its emergency plans

AFTER a number of powerful tornadoes caused serious damage in the American states of Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky on Sunday 17 November, The Salvation Army activated its emergency response plans in affected areas and is now prepared for further tornadoes expected in Michigan and Ohio. Homes, businesses and vehicles were destroyed by up to 40 tornadoes that tore through the Midwest, with six people known to have been killed in Illinois and hundreds injured. It is feared that these numbers will rise as rescue workers sift through the wreckage.

Damaged house in the MidwestHundreds of people were made homeless as a result of the destruction, and The Salvation Army is ready to assist those who have been affected in this way.

The Salvation Army’s Captain Jeff Carr in Peoria, Illinois, reports that canteens (mobile kitchens) have been deployed to three nearby areas, including Washington, which sustained heavy damage. The Salvation Army also opened a tornado shelter in Pekin, offering welcome respite from the winds.

Major David Dalberg, Emergency and Disaster Service Director for The Salvation Army’s Metropolitan Division (Chicago), advises that canteens are operating in tornado-struck Will County, near Chicago. The canteens there have been providing drinking water and serving hot and cold food to hundreds of people.

Meanwhile, in Kentucky, Lieutenant Joseph Crawford has been working with local Emergency Management officials in McCracken County. In conjunction with the local emergency services, the response in this area has focused on hard-hit Bridgeport.

The Salvation Army’s well-rehearsed disaster response plans allow for positioning of a variety of emergency response equipment in strategic locations around the country.

Discover more

Church Partnership Program team members hold the award
Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea is honoured with inclusivity award

The award recognises The Salvation Army’s extensive geographic reach and inclusive engagement efforts across its programmes.

Young people raise their hands in worship
Children and young people

EYE 2025: Young people across Europe dare to look up

Young Salvationists invited to look up and see God moving across Europe and their lives.

People gather as The Salvation Army relief truck arrives
Conflict
Emergency response

World Humanitarian Day 2025

The Salvation Army joins the global community in commemorating World Humanitarian Day 2025 (19 August) – a day to honour the courage, compassion and sacrifice of humanitarian workers around the world.

USA Southern Territorial Secretaries along with cadets and Bible Conference delegates, pray a blessing over the international leaders
The General
USA Southern

International leaders encourage USA Southern Salvationists to be ‘Kingdom influencers’

General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham have encouraged and challenged delegates to the USA Southern Territory Bible Conference, held at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, from 3 to 9 August 2025.

Conversations with the General: young people

Salvation Army young people from around the world met with the General and Commissioner Bronwyn to share their hearts, ask questions and talk about their hopes for the future of The Salvation Army.

The international leaders sit around a coffee table with young Salvation Army members
Children and young people
The General

Salvation Army young leaders speak into Compass

Representative Salvation Army young people from around the world convened at Sunbury Court, United Kingdom, from 27 June to 3 July 2025 for the movement’s first such gathering to be held in 28 years.