• Christopher Priest

The Salvation Army Wearing Many Hats With Ongoing Services to Numerous Communities During Covid-19

Atlanta, GA: The Salvation Army’s work persists on a worldwide basis in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact. In the Southeastern United States, that response wears many hats, with ongoing service to numerous communities in the region.

In Florence, Alabama, The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope is the only homeless shelter continuing to operate in the Shoals community. With the help of the City of Florence and the region’s Homeless Care Council, The Salvation Army is expanding its sheltering program with other locations postponing service. Members of the homeless community previously dwelling in an area surrounding Veterans Memorial Park were welcomed, with the option to camp outside if individuals feel uncomfortable in the interior of the shelter itself. The Center of Hope is providing laundry facilities, showers and meals, with the City of Florence donating picnic tables, portable toilets, and washing stations to assist with social distancing amid the uptick in shelter guests. In addition, local hospital workers have visited the shelter to provide COVID-19 testing.

Each Monday, The Salvation Army of Rocky Mount, North Carolina is assisting families with widespread food service. In partnership with a local food bank, grocery items, including fresh vegetables are packaged for weekly distribution, and the stockpile is replenished each month. On average, Rocky Mount serves approximately 250 food boxes each Monday during the year but, during the COVID-19 crisis, that number has grown considerably, including peaks that more than double the normal output.

While meeting physical needs is important during this trying time, The Salvation Army of Ocala, Florida recently held a drive-thru distribution targeted at much more. Cars received a box of food, including non-perishable items, produce, baked goods and frozen meats. From there, hot meals were distributed in take-home fashion, with a meal for each member of the household. All told, more than 350 meals were provided, with nearly 200 cars processing through the drive-through line. In addition to food service, activity bags were offered to children, with a Bible distribution and the opportunity for personal prayer with a member of The Salvation Army’s local emotional and spiritual care team.

Continuing a Blog Post written by Brad Rowland, Staff Writer, Southern Spirit Newspaper