JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The Salvation Army, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Division has sent 24 mobile feeding units to Gulfport, Pascagoula, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
The canteens can feed up to 1,500 people per day. The Salvation Army tractor trailer can feed up to 10,000 per day.
Captain Ken Chapman, Salvation Army Regional Director, says more units will be deployed as long-term recovery begins.
"They will come from all over the southern territory. We can have as many as 250 units out there within days," he said.
Captain Chapman's wife, Auxiliary Captain Jessie Chapman, drove to Gulfport Friday for a two-week trip. She plans to provide spiritual and emotional support to those who need it. She says storm victims understand they can replace material items, but it's still a burden.
"This is your life's work, it's for your home, for your family. It feels like destruction right now. Part of my job will be bringing healing," she said.
The Salvation Army is also assisting families that have evacuated to the Jackson area, to ease their transition and journey back home.
The Mississippi chapter of the American Red Cross currently has 26 storm shelters open in Mississippi, according to its website. The organization is providing cots, linens, food and other necessities at the shelters.
Additionally, there are more than 20 Red Cross shelters set up in South Louisiana.
Ronald Harrell is an evacuee, and he's also volunteering with the Red Cross to serve meals at the shelter set up at Amite High School in Tanjipahoa Parish in Louisiana. There's no power at the shelter. Harrell is also currently staying there.
"It's the right thing to do. Some (people) are a little scared because they didn't know what could happen. We're just walking around, trying to make people feel comfortable," he said.
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