Making a Difference in the Midwest During COVID-19, June 16
As states begin to emerge from COVID-19 quarantines and Americans start returning to normalcy, The Salvation Army is still on the front lines helping the millions of American in need. Since the start of the pandemic, The Salvation Army USA has provided more than 7 million meals nationwide. Here in the Midwest, the Army is hard at work helping communities to heal, preparing families for the summer heat, and providing food and housing assistance.
Peel and Heal
Following times of trauma, it’s important to take time to heal. Faith, food and coming together as a community can help with this process. The Eastside St. Paul Salvation Army, located on Payne Avenue, understands this and is helping their community. When the time came to remove the plywood boards from the building windows – which had been spray painted with the message “Support East Side Love Peace” - they hosted the “Peel Off Pain on Payne Avenue” barbecue for the community. The event celebrated unity and came complete with prayer, food, music, activities for children, speeches from community leaders, and bags of food and supplies for those in need. And, a hand sanitizer and mask station, of course.
“We needed a day when businesses along Payne Ave. could take the boards off their storefronts,” said Marney Lofgren, volunteer director at the Eastside St. Paul Salvation Army. “At the same time, ‘Peel Off Pain’ signifies more than taking the boards off. A lot of the community is hurting, so we also needed a day to love and support each other.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the worship and service center has actively sought ways to help the community. Food, the most immediate need, has been high on this list. Thus far, they have distributed more than 160,000 meals.
A Real Army Fan
It’s June and the mercury is already rising. For many, summer means fun outdoor activities and hours spent at the park or pool. For those who cannot retreat to air conditioning, the heat can be harmful to their health. Through June 21, The Salvation Army is holding its annual fan drive in cooperation with Ace Hardware. At participating stores, customers can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar with the change being donated to The Salvation Army for its box fan distribution program. With an increased number of Americans out of work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and facing financial struggles, this program is more important than ever.
Meating the Community’s Needs
This is a story about the power of protein and partnerships. Atlas Wholesale Food Corporation was accepted to the USDA Farmers to Families program and needed a distribution partner to help feed hungry people in the Detroit metropolitan area. Enter The Salvation Army. During the first week of June, 250 meat boxes were distributed through this program. Each week The Salvation Army is distributing more Farmers to Families boxes through its community centers in Mount Clemens, Royal Oak, Warren, Washtenaw County and Wyandotte.
A Pathway Forward
The Salvation Army Pathway of Hope program strives to equip participants with the life skills needed to improve their circumstances and build a better future. One single mom enrolled in this program didn’t let COVID-19 stop her from getting her GED. Prior to the start of the pandemic, she had already been working with her Pathway of Hope case worker to secure housing for herself and her two-year-old son and began a GED program. When Minnesota issued a stay-at-home order, this mom found herself facing the challenge of balancing schoolwork and caring for an active toddler. Her case worker provided continuous motivation with regular phone calls of support and encouragement and even home meal delivery. The mother recently attained her high school diploma and is now looking for a job and daycare and plans to get her driver’s license. “I am so excited to see what is ahead for this mother and her bright future,” the case worker said.
COVID-19 is still affecting millions across the Midwest. The Salvation Army is dedicated to helping those in need for as long as help is needed. If you would like to help, please consider volunteering your time or donating. Together, we are making a difference in our communities.