Salvation Army Responding to Tillamook-Area Floods

The Tillamook Family Services building, located at 2105 4th Street, sustained damage during the storm.

Salem-News.com

(TILLAMOOK) - The Salvation Army has emergency canteens and personnel standing by for deployment in response to the biggest flood crisis in the Tillamook area since 1996. Roughly 50 families have been displaced and are receiving help from neighbors and local bed and breakfast establishments. Cars, mobile homes, and buildings have sustained significant damage, with some mobile homes being swept away. One dairy farmer and his family, stranded by the water, watched helplessly as their heifers succumbed to the floodwaters. Farmers from around the area are already responding, helping to round up the remaining cattle. A neighbor in a motor boat has rescued the family who will be sheltered by local Salvation Army personnel. The local Salvation Army Service Extension personnel had a van on site, providing coffee, cocoa, blankets, and snacks to the rescue workers. The Salvation Army is working with police, fire, the Tillamook City Council, Tillamook County Commissioners and the Governors’ office. Governor Ted Kulongoski has begun the process of declaring a natural disaster. Steve Forster, who runs the Salvation Army Extension Services in Tillamook, says things are quite calm. “Everyone has been through this before and neighbors are pitching in to help each other. We will be ready when the river recedes to help with clean up and helping people get their lives back together again. It is such a blessing to see the people come together. And it is a blessing that we didn’t lose power.” The Tillamook Family Services building, located at 2105 4th Street, sustained damage during the storm. The siding on the south side was stripped off in the winds. The building houses the Oregon Food Bank regional coordinating facility and the Salvation Army Family Services. The Salvation Army will have house cleaning kits on hand for after the flood. To make a donation to help the residents of Tillamook, call (503) 238-GIVE. Salem area weather