90 Days Into COVID-19
With a presence in almost every ZIP code in America, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to respond to the unique needs of people living in poverty. These challenges are exponentially magnified during times of crisis, including pandemics like coronavirus (COVID-19). Across the United States, we are stepping up to the challenge and continue to serve the most vulnerable populations in each community. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division has sprung into action to meet widespread needs through the following.
On March 12, 2020, The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division began working closely with state agencies to address the COVID-19 outbreak.
On March 16, 2020, The Salvation Army began devising its action plan in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
On March 23, 2020, The Salvation Army put out a notice to community partners and donors for essential supplies to support metro Detroiters in need, including food, hand sanitizer, and PPE.
On March 27, 2020, The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division began a massive undertaking to pack a total of 20,000 thousand food boxes. Each food box contained nearly 7 days of meals for one person. This effort took place over a 4-week period in a warehouse space donated by a Metro Detroit Advisory Board member.
On March 30, 2020, a generous anonymous donor matched COVID-19 relief contributions up to $125,000. Thanks to the kind heart of the metro Detroit community, the entire match was fulfilled.
By April 3, 2020, The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division mobilized over 100 volunteers at three corps community centers in Detroit and the surrounding area and served 253 food boxes and 739 beverages.
On April 12, 2020, numerous corps in the Eastern Michigan Division live streamed their Easter Services, spiritually engaging the community in a time of intense isolation and turbulence.
On April 14, 2020, The Salvation Army launched an Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline to give support to individuals and families experiencing stress, loneliness, and fear.
By the week of April 21, 2020, The Salvation Army mobilized an army of volunteers and distributed an additional 5,366 food boxes and 11,829 beverages.
On May 1, 2020, The Salvation Army joined the efforts of a coalition of clergy, legislative, judiciary, and local government entities for a statewide moment of silence titled Light Up for Life to honor those lost in the battle versus COVID-19, those in isolation still fighting, and those on the front lines.
On May 5, 2020, The Salvation Army participated in Giving Tuesday Now, a day of global giving and unity. All donations up to $25,000 were matched by the generosity of an anonymous donor.
On May 6, 2020 The Salvation Army Farmington Hills Corps Community Center distributed an additional 1,000 food boxes to families impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
On May 11, 2020, Colonel John Turner wrote an Op Ed encouraging metro Detroiters to remain hopeful and help their neighbors in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
By June 8, 2020, The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division mobilized volunteers for 1,929 hours of work to meet community needs, served 797,761 meals and 290,754 beverages, and assisted 3,246 families with utilities, mortgages, and rent.
Today, we continue those efforts and expect to continue for the foreseeable future. We are ALWAYS there when disaster strikes, and we need your help. 87% of every cash donation goes into direct programming, like that listed above. In-kind donations go right into our supply chain. There are many ways you can help, and whatever you can do will help make a difference. Please donate and share with others that also care.