National Salvation Army Week Highlights Doing the Most Good in Metro Detroit
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., (May 8, 2020) — A short 66 years after National Salvation Army Week was officially recognized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is continuing the week-long tradition beginning Sunday, May 10.
While National Salvation Army Week is celebrated across the country, The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division remains focused on faithfully serving the people of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties through the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit has found ways to adapt and grow, allowing The Salvation Army to continue providing critical social services and programs to the community during the health crisis.
Bed & Bread Program –The Salvation Army Bed & Bread trucks, which travel along the streets of Detroit 365 days a year, were modified to safely distribute food, supplies and grocery items to those who come to the truck.
Children’s Programs – During a time when schools are closed, The Salvation Army’s music department is holding virtual music sessions to help introduce and educate children to the fine arts.
Church Services – For those who attend weekly Sunday services at a corps community center, several locations have created a livestream of the service for their members.
Corps Community Centers – All 13 metro Detroit corps community centers are open during normal business hours and are minimizing public interaction with food pantries and emergency assistance.
Emergency Disaster Services – The Salvation Army is working closely with the City of Detroit to ensure Emergency Disaster Services are still available and continue to serve first responders and disaster victims with limited person-to-person interaction.
Food Assistance – The Salvation Army is focused on providing food to the most vulnerable population of metro Detroit by creating prepackaged food boxes that will feed an individual for nearly seven days.
Pathway of Hope – Corps community centers’ social workers are assisting clients by appointment via phone or video calls.
William Booth Legal Aid Clinic – The Clinic is offering free virtual legal consults for those living at or below poverty guidelines.
“National Salvation Army Week is a reminder that The Salvation Army is a longstanding community partner offering physical, emotional and spiritual care to any and all who need it,” Major Timothy Meyer, general secretary and metro Detroit area commander (Regional Chief Operating Officer) for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. “Now more than ever, our arms are open to faithfully serve the underserved in His name. Together, through God, we will overcome.”
National Salvation Army Week ends on Saturday, May 16. Individuals can support The Salvation Army’s efforts by:
Texting COVID to 24365
Visiting www.salmich.org
Calling 877-SAL-MICH
Sending a check, made payable to The Salvation Army, to 16130 Northland Drive, Southfield, MI 48075
About The Salvation Army
Founded by William and Catherine Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. This past year, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing 2,493,786 meals and 573,968 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.87 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. For more information about The Salvation Army, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at salmich.org.
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