Making a Difference in the Midwest During COVID-19, August 19
A good partner can help us to go farther, do better, and inspire us to dream bigger. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, partnerships around the Midwest are allowing The Salvation Army to provide essential services to those in need.
CARES Act Helps Salvation Army Care for Rochester, MN Homeless
When we hear of the CARES Act, stimulus checks and additional unemployment compensation may be the first topics that come to mind. The city of Rochester, MN is utilizing this act to help those in need within the community. They’ve partnered with the local Salvation Army to open a new day center for homeless individuals and those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Between 40 and 50 people are coming to the center every day,” said Major Bob Mueller, Rochester Salvation Army administrator. “This place is a critical resource for countless people in our community who are struggling due to COVID-19.”
The day center is located at The Salvation Army Rochester worship and service center building and provides shelter, restrooms, food and other services. It will be open through November from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. The Salvation Army is using its own staff and resources (your donations are appreciated to continue providing this important service), and the city’s portion is funded through the CARES Act.
Battling the Opioid Crisis
One of the may repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an increase in opioid overdose deaths. Cook County, IL is on track to double its overdose fatalities this year. The Salvation Army Mobile Outreach team has partnered with Chicago’s West Side Heroin Task Force to distribute food and outreach services in opioid “hot spots.” Community members witness overdoses frequently and appreciate the support and distribution of naloxone, an overdose rescue drug, from the Task Force. The distribution of naloxone provides concerned community members with knowledge to recognize overdose symptoms, training to provide immediate aid and instructs them to contact emergency responders to complete treatment.
Pantry Partners Fill Shelves with Food and Hope
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lieutenant Dena Smith of the St. Charles, IL (Tri-City) Salvation Army has seen need within the community increase exponentially. Before the pandemic, they distributed about 4,000 items per month through their fresh food pantry. Now they distribute more than 14,000 items. Partnerships with local grocery stores and the Northern Illinois Food Bank make the pantry possible. Additionally, the pantry receives donations of fresh produce from the park district’s garden and from area residents sharing the bounty of their harvests.
Recently, Diane and her husband discovered the food pantry, which was located blocks away from their home. Both lost their jobs early in the pandemic. They had already been living paycheck to paycheck and being suddenly unemployed increased their stress. Diane was overjoyed to see the variety of items available. “Do you know how exciting it was to have dessert?” she said. The Salvation Army was also able to help the couple with rent and utility bills.
“Everyday people who have compassion for the Army and the needs of our community fill in the gap for us and keep us as one of the best food pantries in our area,” said Lieutenant Dena. “Every time someone comes to our pantry, they leave with three or four bags of groceries filled with meat, toiletries and staple goods. We want to be able to maintain at this level.”
These partnerships, and others around the Midwest, prove that we really are stronger together. The Salvation Army appreciates and thanks its partners for the essential goods and resources they provide.