Salvation Army seeks support for continued services
The Salvation Army of Delaware continues to feed and shelter those in need in the community despite the many new challenges due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. With shelter-in-place mandates from Gov. John Carney now in force, The Salvation Army has transitioned its feeding services in order to limit person-to-person contact.
In complying with local and state government recommendations and mandates, staffers are now using the Corps at the Door approach at all feeding facilities. Division-wide feeding programs are attempting to mitigate the spread of the virus by providing food items in boxes or bags that clients either pick up outside facilities, or have workers place into their car trunks while wearing gloves and practicing social distancing. The utmost priority is ensuring the safety of those who depend on The Salvation Army’s programs and services, along with the safety of staff and volunteers.
The Wilmington shelter is open and operating with scrupulous hygiene practices and social distancing in place. In addition to receiving warmth and a place to sleep, shelter residents continue to receive three meals a day and snacks. Non-critical services are on hold until further notice, including senior programs, Bible studies, men's and women’s ministries, and youth programming.
“Wide-ranging restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19 have dwindled our volunteer manpower that we usually rely on to help us during crises, forcing The Salvation Army to make tough decisions regarding our services, as well as how to administer services,” said Capt. Timothy Sheehan, Salvation Army in Delaware state coordinator. “We don’t want to put any of our volunteers’ lives in jeopardy. Using our own staff, we will continue providing the critical necessities of food and shelter, because some people won’t get a meal unless we provide it. There is no quarantine for hunger. There is no quarantine for homelessness. The Salvation Army will stand in the gap, as we’ve done for over 150 years, helping the marginalized no matter how many curve balls the virus throws.”
While no Salvation Army employee or client in Delaware has been diagnosed with COVID-19, officials are closely monitoring all facilities, workers and clients while tracking current statistics through CDC reporting. The Incident Management Team in Philadelphia is regularly interfacing with local, state and federal authorities, operating out of an abundance of caution, proactively planning for a variety of outcomes, and adapting to changes that come almost daily.
To help The Salvation Army stay on the front lines providing much-needed resources to area communities during this critical health crisis, Donate by Distance at salvationarmydelaware.org.
To donate by check, mail contributions to: The Salvation Army, 400 N. Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801.
Please refer all corporate gift offers to Carl Colantuono at carl.colantuono@use.salvationarmy.org.
