The Salvation Army of Rome has added a new mobile canteen to its emergency response and community outreach operations, providing another resource to assist residents across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County.

The new vehicle was officially unveiled Wednesday, October 21, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Rome. The addition is expected to improve the organization’s ability to provide meals, refreshments and other assistance during emergencies and community outreach activities.

The Salvation Army of Rome serves Floyd, Polk and Chattooga counties, making the new equipment an important addition to the organization’s regional operations.

Lieutenant Cory Tilley and his wife, Captain Cristina Tilley, who lead the Salvation Army’s Rome operations, said the mobile canteen will allow volunteers to take services directly to people in need rather than requiring individuals to travel to the organization’s facilities.

The vehicle is equipped with a two-burner stove, industrial coffee maker, refrigerator and generator. These features will allow volunteers to prepare and distribute food and beverages at emergency scenes and other locations where assistance is needed.

While the canteen is not designed to operate as a large-scale mobile kitchen, Salvation Army officials say it will greatly expand their ability to respond to emergencies and provide support in the field.

The vehicle can be used to assist firefighters, law enforcement officers and other emergency personnel during extended operations. It can also provide food and refreshments to residents affected by house fires, severe weather, power outages and other disasters.

The Salvation Army has a history of providing emergency assistance in Chattooga County.

During the devastating September 2022 flooding, Salvation Army disaster relief teams worked with local churches and other organizations to distribute meals, snacks and drinking water to residents affected by the disaster.

The organization’s response included food distribution at the Trion Wrestling Building, Chattooga County High School and Chattooga County Middle School, along with deliveries to vulnerable residents.

According to the Salvation Army, its disaster response operations across the affected Northwest Georgia communities provided more than 15,000 meals and snacks during that emergency.

In addition to disaster relief, the Salvation Army of Rome provides shelter services, a community evening meal program, food pantry assistance, emergency financial assistance and other support programs for individuals and families in its three-county service area.

The organization has served the Rome community for approximately 129 years.

Salvation Army officials say the new mobile canteen will make it easier to reach residents where assistance is needed and strengthen their ability to respond when emergencies occur.

The vehicle also provides another resource that could be deployed to Chattooga County when local emergencies require additional support, depending on available resources and the needs of the community.

Residents seeking information about Salvation Army assistance or volunteer opportunities can contact the Salvation Army of Rome at 706-291-4745.