The Salvation Army Announces “Hope Marches On” Christmas Message
Last year at this time, we were all hopeful that by Christmas 2021, the pandemic would be well behind us. Unfortunately, we have not yet won the fight against COVID-19. Millions of Americans — including thousands of individuals and families right here in the Omaha metro — are still experiencing the ongoing financial and emotional impact of the pandemic as they struggle to recover and stay in their homes.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homelessness increased nationally between 2019 and 2020, particularly among families. Experts predict that the end of the federal eviction moratorium will likely lead to a spike in homelessness in 2021 as well.
The news is grave. And yet, despite the significant challenges still ahead of us, we still have hope — which is exactly why The Salvation Army’s Christmas theme “Hope Marches On” is so appropriate for 2021.
We continue to hope for an end to the pandemic.
We continue to hope that those who are suffering will find security and stability.
We continue to hope that together we can make a difference.
As the days grow colder and Christmas approaches, you might catch The Salvation Army’s national and local “Hope Marches On” messages on television, the radio and social media. These vignettes will highlight some of the ways The Salvation Army is helping our most vulnerable neighbors to bridge the gap during this very difficult time.
Right here in the Omaha metro, The Salvation Army provides food, housing, material assistance, youth development, behavioral health support and many other services to meet the basic needs of thousands of individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet.
For instance, between March 2020 and July 2021:
The North Corps Community Center at 24th and Pratt served nearly 42,500 free grab-and-go lunches to individuals and families struggling to keep up with the weekly grocery bill.
The Burrows Center for Help and Hope on NW Radial Highway filled more than 8,400 food pantry orders.
And this past summer, Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen served nearly 17,000 free lunches to kids ages 18 and younger at seven locations around the metro.
This Christmas season, The Salvation Army will make sure that Hope Marches On — and you can help by donating to a Red Kettle or contributing online to the Omaha Virtual Red Kettle.
Thank you!