Salvation Army Designated by United Nations as Lead Agency Responsible for
Care of 20,000

TORONTO , Jan. 27 /CNW/ - The United Nations has designated The Salvation Army as the "lead agency" responsible for the care of 20,000 people made homeless by the earthquake in Haiti . Survivors have erected tents at both a soccer stadium and another plaza adjacent to The Salvation Army's main compound at Delmas 2 in Port-au-Prince .

As the lead agency, The Salvation Army assumes the responsibility of housing people in family units that meet UN approved standards. The Army will also provide clean water, medical supplies, basic health supplies, safe hygiene and sanitation. The Army, in cooperation with the United Nations World Food Programme will also handle the safe distribution of food to those within its care.

The Salvation Army continues to provide relief and supplies to the thousands within its care. More than 350,000 meals, 18,000 gallons of water, hundreds of tents, baby items and medical supplies have been distributed. In addition, a 10,000 gallon water purification system is operational, more than 1,200 people have received medical aid and The Salvation Army has re-opened a school for children aged 3 to 6 in a temporary site at the organization's compound.

"The Salvation Army compound is now home to thousands of families," said Brian Burditt , Director of World Missions. "It will be our responsibility to look after these families and do our utmost to support them as relief continues and as the rebuilding begins."

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Haiti since 1950 and its personnel who were affected by the earthquake are now working to assist others in need. The Salvation Army in Haiti operates three medical facilities, schools that serve at least 10,000 children, feeding programs, children's homes and church-related activities.

Please support The Salvation Army's relief effort in Haiti . Financial contributions can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by visiting our website, www.SalvationArmy.ca, or by texting HAITI to 45678 for most carriers in Canada , to make $5 donation. You can also give by mailing donations to The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda , 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto , Ontario M4H 1P4, or dropping off financial donations at the closest Salvation Army unit in your area. Donors should specify their gift to the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and 119 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, provides shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.

When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca

For further information: or to arrange interviews, please contact: Andrew Burditt, Territorial Public Relations Director, The Salvation Army, [phone], [email protected]