NEWS FEATURE
Army steps up worldwide response to pandemic IHQ
USA
FLEXIBILITY and adaptation characterise the Army’s response in communities around the world impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The Movement is meeting new needs while endeavouring to maintain its services for vulnerable people, often amending practices to meet the necessary guidelines and legislation to curb the spread of the virus. AFRICA The Army in Congo (Brazzaville) is preparing a programme to increase knowledge about Covid-19 and equip individuals with practical disease-prevention measures. Handwashing material will be given as part of the initiative. The Liberia and Sierra Leone Command has taken initial safety measures to help protect officers, employees, centres and schools. The Army is planning an intervention strategy for awareness, prevention and care for victims in the coming days. A social media platform is being set up for sharing preventative measures, awareness and updates on the virus. In Zambia, the Army has issued a five-point plan to Salvationists and friends: Pray, Listen, Clean, Care and Act. Territorial leaders Colonels Ian and Wendy Swan observe that it is ‘especially important that we remain aware of the spiritual and physical needs of our communities’. AMERICAS AND CARIBBEAN Salvation Army-run children’s homes in Jamaica have adapted by providing residents with online teaching tools to enhance the materials given by schools. Technology is also being used to give access to Bible study materials and online opportunities for worship. In Argentina, the Army’s Buenos Aires Social Services Office is distributing bags with non-perishable food and necessities to people with limited resources. In Uruguay, Burger King has supported Salvation Army personnel in offering food parcels to families in need. Major Elena Miño’s team is going house-to-house with the packages. While professional baseball may have 6
Salvationist 4 April 2020
been halted across the USA, the Atlanta Braves first baseman, Freddie Freeman, has donated $25,000 to the Army’s coronavirus response in light of the Greater Atlanta thrift stores having to close. As in many areas, staff and volunteers in Lewisville are creatively making necessary adjustments to continue essential services for the community. Lunch each day is being delivered ‘to go’ with more than 75 clients picking up a free lunch. One-on-one case management meetings are taking place in the mobile kitchen. With the temporary closure of Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, perishable food items have been donated to the Army. A truckload of apples, oranges, potatoes and other fresh produce is greatly assisting Army staff to help those affected by the coronavirus outbreak, particularly shelter residents and drop-in clients in need. The Army is serving a free community dinner every weekday and has given fresh produce to nearly 300 senior citizens. ‘We have been serving the populations most vulnerable to the pandemic, people experiencing homelessness and senior citizens,’ says Orlando Area Commander Captain Ken Chapman. ‘This generous donation means we can serve so many more in need.’
EUROPE In the Czech Republic, contingency plans are seeing Salvation Army hostels remaining open 24/7 to ensure that residents are not putting themselves or others at risk through unnecessary social interaction. Kindergartens run by the Army in Finland are operating under the direction of the national government, and are providing care for the children of families whose parents work in key areas such as social work, healthcare and the fire and rescue service. Retirement homes operated by the Army in France have remained open, but visits have been prohibited. Food provision continues in Paris. Young people connected with the Army in Georgia have been distributing care packages to older people in their community. In Dresden, Germany, the city council has placed vehicles and drivers at the Army’s disposal to deliver food to people experiencing homelessness. Creative approaches are being deployed to help families, such as a corps playground being opened to one family at a time. A children’s outreach team that usually uses drama as part of its programme has made material available on Spotify. In Greenland the situation is compounded
