HOW TO GIVE HOPE TO MILLIONS OF AMERICANS IMPACTED BY COVID-19
Cleveland, OH (May 4th, 2020) – On Tuesday, May 5, The Salvation Army and Candace Cameron Bure are asking people to join the Fight for Good by providing hope and help to those impacted by the coronavirus. For millions of Americans experiencing urgent need, The Salvation Army is their first stop for help. In response to this pandemic, The Salvation Army of Northeast Ohio has provided 702,496 meals and 31,105 food boxes, and 4,953 nights of shelter; as well financial assistance and hygiene kits across Northeast & Northwest Ohio. With increased demand for aid expected to continue over the coming weeks, months, and potentially years, ongoing public support will be needed to ensure basic necessities are fulfilled with compassion and dignity.
Although this is an unprecedented time in our history, facing stark realities is not new for The Salvation Army. Throughout its 153-year ministry, it has delivered programming rooted in hope, which is a critical component to overcoming adversity. Serving more than 1M people across Northeast & Northwest Ohio a year, the organization helps families living in poverty battle everyday enemies – today, these enemies are exponentially magnified.
"Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, The Salvation Army of Northeast Ohio heard the calls and cries of our friends and neighbors for aid and support during this difficult time. Our response has been swift to provide meals, food boxes, along with emotional and spiritual care. We will always be here to provide hope to those most in need, no matter if it is a global pandemic, loss of a job, or rebuilding after a natural disaster," stated Major Evan Hickman, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army of Northeast Ohio.
The Greatest Need, Now
"Our greatest needs in Northeast & Northwest Ohio is food assistance and rent and utilities assistance. We have served over 78,000 individuals in just under two months. Many of these individuals have not received any household income in over a month, so the need for help to pay monthly bills and feed their families will continue to grow as we continue on in this COVID-19 crisis," said Karen Brauer, Divisional Social Services Director The Salvation Army of Northeast Ohio.
A $25 gift of hope will ensure Americans in need have access to 10 meals, immediately. A $25 monthly gift will help provide meals during months when food insecurity is already great. To donate, visit SalvationArmyOhio.org.
The Greatest Hope, Now
If you’re unable to make a monetary donation or would like to do more on Giving Tuesday Now, The Salvation Army of Northeast Ohio encourages us to share hope, together. The goal is to bring our nation together in sending comforting thoughts to those who are struggling, praying for those serving on the front lines, and directing messages of hope to those in need. There are three ways to get involved:
1. From May 4- 5, visit The Salvation Army of Northeast Ohio on Facebook @SalvationArmyOhio to post a comment, or simply share your message of hope and encouragement by tagging #10MinutesOfHope.
2. On May 5, join the Fight for Good Ambassador – actress, executive producer and New York Times best-selling author Candace Cameron Bure – as she calls for messages of hope on her social media channels.
3. On May 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET, take 10 minutes out of your day for hope:
- Read positive stories with your family
- Share thoughts or prayers for those in need
- Watch The Salvation Army’s Facebook Live video (@SalvationArmyUSA) for spiritual guidance
If you or someone you know needs hope, call the Hope Hotline at 1-844-458-HOPE (4673), open from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, or visit www.SalvationArmyOhio.org to find your local Salvation Army.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. Follow us on Facebook: @SalvationArmyOhio and #DoingTheMostGood