May 10 Is 'Salvation Army Day in Chicago'
Mayor Lori Lightfoot has proclaimed May 10 “Salvation Army Day in Chicago.” The proclamation coincides with the first day of National Salvation Army Week, celebrated annually by Salvation Army units across the United States. National Salvation Army Week runs May 10-16.
In her proclamation, Mayor Lightfoot recognized The Salvation Army’s work with the City of Chicago during the height of the pandemic, including serving as the lead agency on the city’s feeding task force, providing safe spaces for people experiencing homelessness, and delivering emergency meals to individuals in quarantine and isolation.
“The Salvation Army is proud to be a key partner of the City of Chicago when it comes to caring for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Lt. Colonel Lonneal Richardson, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division (pictured above with wife Lt. Colonel Patty Richardson and Mayor Lightfoot's proclamation). “We are called to feed the hungry, provide transportation and shelter for the homeless, and support our first responders with food, hydration, and emotional and spiritual support through our Emergency Disaster Services operations. It is our duty to care for our neighbors, and we are grateful for this recognition.”
As of January 1, The Salvation Army handles all transportation for the homeless and referrals to shelters through 311. The Salvation Army also operates the Shield of Hope, a first-of-its-kind emergency homeless assessment and rapid response center.
The Salvation Army has been present in Chicago for more than 135 years. The social services organization operates nine corps community centers within the city, and serves an estimated 1 million people in northern Illinois and northwest Indiana per year.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower designated the first National Salvation Army Week in 1954 to remind the public of the services provided by the organization and the ways they can help.