Staying Connected in Indianapolis: Serving Our Communities Through the Pandemic
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to connect with others in our typical ways. On the west side of Indianapolis, the Harbor Light Center, Eagle Creek, and Booth Manor facilities are working on new ways to engage their communities and continue to spread God’s love during the pandemic.
The staff at the Harbor Light Center has made it a priority to create a place of comfort and peace for their consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. With fear spreading throughout the city, the Harbor Light team has implemented extra safety precautions, such as securing N95 face masks to be worn by staff and consumers. The staff is also performing temperature checks in incoming and outgoing visitors of the building.
“Our staff is working overtime to show compassion to our consumers…to fight the good fight and be a comfort to those who are in addiction,” said Major Kendall Matthews of the Harbor Light Center. The staff is also praying with the consumers and holding online church services to continue offering spiritual comfort in these unsettling times."
With the COVID-19 pandemic coinciding with the Lent and Easter seasons, it is important to maintain a spiritual connection, even when forced to stay in our homes. Lts. Joshua and Robyn Hubbard of the Eagle Creek Corps made a point of connecting with their church communities during Holy Week through daily online services through Facebook’s live stream feature. They also delivered palms to the homes of their congregates to celebrate Palm Sunday and interact with their community while still practicing proper social distancing.
The Booth Manor senior living facility has adjusted their programs to meet the needs of their high-risk community.
“Our residents are 62 years and older, which means they are a part of a group that is most vulnerable to the virus,” said Erin Andrade, Service Coordinator for Booth Manor. “Because of their vulnerability, we have had to change many of our normal practices.”
Such adjustments include delivering meals to the residents’ rooms, rather than serving meals in the community room in the facility. Erin has also established a pantry within the facility for residents to get their basic needs without the risk of going to the store. Because of an inability to spend time with their neighbors directly, Erin has also brought in new, creative ways for the residents to interact, such as Hallway Bingo played from their apartment doorways.
Through some slight adjustments and the dedication of staff members, The Salvation Army Indiana Division is committed to staying connected to its communities and showing as much compassion and love toward Hoosiers as ever.