COVID-19 Awareness & Response
The Salvation Army’s Heartland Divisional Statement:
The recent outbreak & spread of COVID-19, or Coronavirus, across the U.S. has led to many questions and concerns by our local communities. If you want to learn the best ways to protect yourself, what the symptoms of COVID-19 are, or any other virus specific information – please visit the CDC’s Website for the most accurate information and updated resources.
Throughout this crisis, The Salvation Army will remain committed to our mission of Doing The Most Good for all those in need throughout our communities. We will continue to provide as many of our services & programs that we can, while still taking the necessary health precautions. This means that your local Salvation Army may have to temporarily adjust the ways they serve the public. The best ways to learn more and stay up to date on any Salvation Army changes is to Follow Us Online or Contact Us directly with any questions you may have.
In response to COVID-19 specifically, The Salvation Army’s Heartland Division is taking the following measures within all of our communities.
- Increased Sanitation Practices:
Much of our services are carried out face-to-face in case management meetings, worship services, food pantries etc. This makes our facilities often become high-traffic areas which require special attention to keep clean. Throughout the duration of this virus we will be implementing stricter routines of sanitation. All Salvation Army facilities are equipped with proper cleaning supplies and staff are trained on basic infectious disease-protocol that will be implemented when/where needed.
- Preparing & Educating:
The Salvation Army is a leader in serving every community’s most vulnerable population, largely because of our preparation. With COVID-19 now declared a pandemic, we will be increasing our efforts to be ready for any situation that may develop in our local communities. The lower-income populations are more at risk now because their lack of access to proper hygiene, medical resources & information. The Salvation Army is working to mitigate the potential spread of this virus throughout these at risk individuals by educating them in order to keep everyone as prepared as possible.
- Serving Alongside Others:
Several industries are anticipated to experience financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 governmental responses. The Salvation Army will prepare for increased emergency assistance needs across our communities. The specific types of support we offer include: rent/mortgage payment, utility costs & food assistance. In order to receive emergency aid please submit your information through our Contact Form.
In addition to our own services, The Salvation Army wishes to ensure the safety of all who depend on us and to do so we are working with health officials at local, state & federal levels. Their services have provided Salvation Army staff with hygiene and prevention guidance, as well as additional protocols. All of this information is in accordance with CDC recommendations and allows us to further guarantee our services are carried out responsibly.
If you wish to show your support for the local Salvation Army efforts in your community, Please Click Here to Donate Online Today
We thank all of our communities for understanding the importance of both our work and the changes to how we serve during this viral outbreak.. With education, kindness & patience we can work together to move past these difficult times.
“We serve a God who is in control and has us in the palm of His hand. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
– Major Kelly Collins, Heartland Divisional Commander
To learn more about what The Salvation Army is doing as an organization in response to the COVID-19 please visit our National Website
Other Additional Resources:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Iowa Department of Public Health
