At Circle West Mobile Home Estates, all 432 households are part of the community still waiting for the power to be restored. The Salvation Army has been providing hot meals to the community for more than a week. The canteen (mobile feeding unit) crews and Circle West residents have started to form bonds through meals and spiritual care. Many of the children in the community cheer the arrival of The Salvation Army feeding units, excited to see its team members.
The residents and staff from The Salvation Army canteens know each other by name, the canteen members can tell you how many meals a family needs as soon as they walk up and know the favorite foods and dinosaurs of the kids who are being served every day. “They see us pull in and come to meet us, they are excited to see us” said Anne Arnold, Salvation Army canteen crew member. The impact of The Salvation Army showing up has been felt by all, even the youngest community members. Handmade cards adorned with “I love your food” and “you’re my superhero” were given to the canteen staff who show up every day.
This close-knit community is held together by Maria, the manager of Circle West. She knows everyone and drove around to hand deliver the meals that The Salvation Army brings to those who are at home and unable to leave their home. “Y’all have been a blessing to us all” Maria said of the meals, water, and support The Salvation Army has provided.
The Salvation Army is serving communities across southeast Louisiana. The Salvation Army New Orleans Response Team has provided 102,656 meals and 73,750 drinks to communities in need. Including 25,575 snacks and 1,700 hygiene kits.
