Local United Way Awards $225,000 to The Salvation Army of Lake County for COVID-19 Relief
MUNSTER, INDIANA – May 5, 2020 – The Salvation Army of Lake County has received a $225,000 grant from the Lake Area United Way. The Lake Area United Way established a NWI COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund for the purpose of supporting local nonprofits that are providing necessary services to those hurt most by this pandemic. The Salvation Army will use this donation to provide food and financial assistance for rent and utilities to those seeking support at the East Chicago, Gary-Merrillville, and Hammond-Munster corps community centers.
“We’re grateful that The Salvation Army community centers in Lake County are engaged in the on-the-ground work to help people get the basics,” said Lisa Daugherty, President and CEO of the Lake Area United Way. “The demand for rent, utility and food assistance is enormous, and it’s our responsibility to put community contributions into action during this pandemic.”
The Salvation Army has seen a dramatic increase in requests for assistance – up to 500% for its hunger and homelessness prevention programs.
“Without the strategic partnership between Lake Area United Way and The Salvation Army of Lake County, people would not have received the extent and quality of the assistance needed,” said Captain Brian Clark, Coordinator for The Salvation Army of Lake County.
People like Victor and Emily who have survived a series of tragedies including the passing of their eight-year-old grandson, financial hardships, and the loss of employment. “Because of his underlying health issues, Victor was unable to work and put on unpaid leave,” Emily said. “We didn’t have enough money to buy food, so I contacted my local Salvation Army.”
The Salvation Army’s Hammond-Munster Community Center welcomed Emily to its food pantry with open arms. She was given a substantial amount of food to assist her family. “The groceries were already packed in boxes and bags and waiting for me when I arrived,” she said. “I was treated with dignity and not like I was a needy person begging for food. The way I was greeted and how our needs were met, I knew that they really cared. It made my day!”
Since the start of pandemic, The Salvation Army of Lake County has provided:
2,955 hot meals
Groceries to 3,433 families
Emergency financial assistance to hundreds of families
For information on emergency services during the COVID-19 crisis, or partnering with The Salvation Army to help neighbors in need, visit www.SalArmyLakeCounty.org, or call 219.838.1328.
Learn about all the ways The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division is responding to the coronavirus – as well as how you can help – at salarmychicago.org/coronavirus.
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For tax purposes: The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division EIN is 36-2167910.