Food, hygiene are The Salvation Army’s ammo against COVID-19
Food, hygiene are The Salvation Army's ammo against COVID-19
The Salvation Army in the Southern Territory mobilizes to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. As families face sudden joblessness and financial crises, and vulnerable homeless residents seek shelter from the disease, corps and commands come up with creative ways to serve people in need and welcome stepped-up support from their community partners.
San Antonio, Texas: Magali Montanez (center, wearing black hat) spent her COVID-19 stimulus check on items for The Salvation Army's emergency family shelter in San Antonio. She said that she has been blessed with a roof over her head and plenty of food. As a nurse, she knows some are living in shelters and are less fortunate. She challenged capable members of the community to contribute items such as diapers, paper tissues, disinfectant, hand sanitizer, shampoo, bar soap, books, crayons, socks, T-shirts and other items for those staying in Salvation Army shelters.
Louisville, Kentucky: The Salvation Army continues to support the unsheltered population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nutritious meals are served daily to up to 400 men and women at the "Healthy Shelter," courtesy of staff, volunteers and officers. The shelter is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for homeless residents not exposed to, or showing symptoms of, the novel coronavirus. It is at Louisville Command headquarters in the former Louisville Male High School.
Bradenton, Florida: The Salvation Army is helping to maintain hygiene by constructing mobile handwashing stations in the Bradenton area. Though the Army's weekly community dinner was temporarily suspended in its previous form, to-go packages are being distributed in an outdoor setting.
Conway, Arkansas: The Salvation Army’s coffee ministry is in place, with a case worker setting up service each morning that is available throughout the day. The coffee service is a hit, especially when combined with a friendly smile and a listening ear. Food distribution also continues.
Atlanta, Georgia: Passion City Church donated five pallets equaling 5,000 pounds of food and cleaning supplies to The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta's Red Shield Shelter. The donation will make a positive difference in the lives of Red Shield Shelter consumers, help keep the facility clean and eliminate food insecurity for those in need.
Lewisville, Texas: The Salvation Army is partnering with Valley Creek Next Steps Center to deliver free lunches at several apartment complexes to children currently out of school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 200 children each day have grabbed lunch, and Friday’s sacks include food for the weekend.
Hopkinsville, Kentucky: The Salvation Army's Shelia Croney packs hot to-go lunches for neighbors in need; the parking lot outside is marked off to help with social distancing as people wait in line for food. The corps thanked Douglas Autotec for its donation of paper goods. It has asked for foam plates, dessert plates and bowls; plastic utensils; napkins; paper towels, and toilet paper. "Little did we know when this donation drive was set up weeks ago how much more these items would be needed now in our present situation!" the corps said in Facebook posting.