The Salvation Army Response to COVID-19
In early March 2020, The Salvation Army prepared for the impending outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States. Salvation Army Corps throughout Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia ramped up efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus, especially among the homeless and other vulnerable populations, while assessing and meeting community needs:
Feeding individuals and families, through food pantries or prepared meals, became a top priority across the Potomac Division.
Corps officers, staff, and volunteers stocked food pantry shelves through donations and collaborations with local authorities and organizations.
We are grateful for local restaurants and church and service groups who have stepped in to prepare and serve hot or ready-to-heat meals.
Our Corps parking lots have become “drive through” operations, allowing us to serve the community safely and efficiently.
In our residential facilities, close living conditions mean infectious disease can easily spread among residents. Additional cleaning throughout the day, with elevated focus on high-traffic areas, and sanitation supplies are part of every location’s infectious-disease protocol.
