The Salvation Army and its partners open disaster and training facility in Miami

By: Brad Rowland

In partnership with both the NHL's Florida Panthers and FedEx, The Salvation Army has opened a new Emergency Disaster Services Command and Training Center in Miami, Florida.

The center was unveiled June 1. It will serve as a support facility throughout the year, regardless of the nature of active disaster response.

The Florida Panthers Foundation, which joined the Tampa Bay Lightning in donating funds for ongoing disaster relief earlier in 2018, donated a food distribution vehicle to augment food production and service in times of disaster.

The Salvation Army also received a donated unit from FedEx that can serve approximately 1,500 meals per day in active service. This vehicle can be used in both daily food service and extended service for direct disaster relief.

When the facility is not in full use for disaster service, it will be used for training for volunteers, overall first aid and CPR certification and spiritual training to provide stability in periods of potential crisis.

Beyond that, a disaster-based warehouse is in place for storage and to provide a database for donations as they arrive, both day-to-day and in direct response.

Captain Enrique Azuaje, Miami area commander, aided in executing this vision, with additional funding from The Community Foundation.

The creation and implementation of the facility should help The Salvation Army streamline its efforts year-round and in times of disaster. The community's investment in its opening provides an encouraging sign for ongoing support in the future.