BOISE, Idaho — The Salvation Army, the nation’s largest social services organization with more than 7,600 service locations across the country, is increasing efforts to meet human need.
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the organization has evolved service delivery to ensure that immediate needs of community members, first responders, and government partners are met.
With an expected spike in requests over the coming weeks, months, and potentially years, ongoing public support will be needed to help ensure that services are available to existing and new vulnerable populations. While all are impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, the one in six Americans who are living in poverty will likely feel the effects quicker and more significantly.
The Salvation Army is ensuring that people have access to food, shelter, and desperately needed services like childcare through its nationwide network. This includes drive-through food pickup, community-based food delivery through canteens, and meals at Salvation Army facilities. The organization is also providing snacks and hydration to first responders.
In Boise, The Salvation Army is adjusting to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by temporarily changing its community response. The Client Choice Food Pantry will transition to a food-box system. The 60-day window of pantry usage will be dismissed during this time of need.
In the months that follow, The Salvation Army will continue to provide basic needs to the 23 million Americans it already serves, and anticipates it will also serve a new generation of need that is born out of the virus. Anticipated impacts on the economy and workforce will likely force more Americans to seek rental, utility, and other forms of assistance. While the full scope of the pandemic’s economic impact is still unknown, canceled fundraising events and market volatility elevate the need for public support in order to maintain and grow these efforts.
To contribute to The Salvation Army’s efforts in your community, click here.
