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Salvation Army in Delaware responds to COVID-19 crisis

Community support urgently requested to support services
March 25, 2020

During this unprecedented time of uncertainty and concern, the Salvation Army of Delaware is ramping up its efforts to serve those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many are staying at home, The Salvation Army is serving on the front lines of response to COVID-19. Ensuring the safety of those who depend on Salvation Army programs and services in Delaware, along with the safety of staff and volunteers, remains its utmost priority.

Since Delaware Gov. John Carney recently issued orders designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Salvation Army has implemented necessary changes.

Effective immediately, Delaware operations will limit person-to-person contact. Much of the day-to-day business will take place by phone, with social distancing the new norm. Essential personnel are reporting for duty daily to keep services up and running for many vulnerable populations.

The Salvation Army in Delaware has been forced to temporarily close its senior programs and change how it serves the hungry, in order to mitigate the spread of the deadly virus; this affects all its Delaware feeding programs, including soup kitchens and pantries. Clients are no longer allowed to enter facilities. Instead, sites are providing prepackaged meals-to-go in boxes or bags picked up at the door. In Seaford, the Salvation Army mobile food truck/canteen is going into communities and delivering meals-to-go for all those in need, but especially to students whose schools are closed because of the pandemic. 

The homeless shelter is open and operating, with heightened cleaning throughout the day, especially in high-traffic areas. Hygiene and prevention guidance in accordance with Centers for Disease Control recommendations is being used and shared with staff, volunteers and program participants. New clients are no longer being accepted, and plans are being made should it become necessary to quarantine any confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the current population.

While no Salvation Army worker or client has been diagnosed with COVID-19, staff is closely monitoring all facilities, workers and clients. A newly formed Salvation Army Incident Management Team is regularly interfacing with local, state and federal authorities. With the situation constantly changing, officials are operating out of an abundance of caution and proactively planning for a variety of potential outcomes.

For more information, contact Carl Colantuono at Carl.Colantuono@use.salvationarmy.org or 302-472-0731.

The Salvation Army anticipates a spike in emergency assistance needs as the crisis continues, so support from the community is urgently requested.

“It’s all about giving hope during some very bleak and troubling times. Monetary gifts will go a long way in enabling us to continue doing the most good in our communities,” said Captain Timothy Sheehan, Delaware State coordinator for the Salvation Army Delaware. “Our basic programs must continue during these challenging times. We’re all in this together, and every donation, no matter how big or how small, makes a significant difference.”

To donate to The Salvation Army to help those in need in every neighborhood affected by COVID-19, go to www.SalvationArmyDelaware.org.

 

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