Donations in Action: Victory is his
"Donations in Action" is a regular series about the different ways The Salvation Army Northern Division and our supporters are serving people and families in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Below are examples of how our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners are making a positive impact during these uncertain times.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
Please join our fight by giving a donation. Your gift will provide emergency assistance for those who desperately need it.
Victory is his
A homeless Twin Cities man came to The Salvation Army wanting to turn his life around. His dream was to have a job and home.
When the man first met with our case worker, he owned nothing. During the ensuing months, the case worker provided him with food, clothing, hygiene items, and bus passes. She also helped him obtain his birth certificate.
More months went by, during which time the man focused on his sobriety.
Recently, the man called us with exciting news: He had a full-time job and was just weeks away from getting his own apartment – all without any outside assistance. What’s more, he’d been sober for four months and was looking for an additional part-time job.
“This man is a shining example of self-resolution from homelessness to housing,” his case worker said. “He is celebrating his sobriety and welcoming all the joy that not using alcohol brings to his life.”
Donation clears the air
The COVID-19 crisis has not been kind to people served by The Salvation Army Good Samaritan Medical and Dental Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The facility was forced to close earlier this spring, and it has since reopened to only limited capacity.
Now, thanks to a donation from Altra Federal Credit Union, the clinic is able to open its doors to more people in need. Last week, the credit union gave nearly $2,500 for the purchase of an air purifier, helping the clinic return to capacity while ensuring the safety of patients and volunteers.
“When we approached Altra Federal Credit Union with this need, they jumped at the opportunity to help,” said Major Bob Mueller, leader of the Rochester Salvation Army. “We appreciate Alta’s generosity and their shared desire to serve our community.”
The clinic is a blessing to the people it serves, offering emergency dental services and basic medical care for hundreds. It operates through the help of dozens of volunteer dentists and doctors, many of whom work at Mayo Clinic.
Still going strong
The Salvation Army continues to provide free groceries for thousands of people struggling to get through the COVID-19 crisis in Minnesota and North Dakota.
One of our busiest locations is the West 7th Salvation Army in St. Paul. In just three months, this location handed out more food than it did during all of 2019.
Hundreds of families rely on this service, including a St. Paul resident named Byron (pictured) and his family. He works as a mechanic, and his girlfriend is part-owner of a local restaurant. They have two kids, ages 3 and 7.
“The restaurant was doing great until COVID struck,” Byron said. “They haven’t been able to get it going back to the way it was.”
Byron stops by The Salvation Army once or twice per week for a free box of food, allowing him extra money to pay his rent, utilities, and other bills. Whatever food he doesn’t use, he gives to people living in a homeless camp.
“The other day I brought bread and peanut butter and gave it to people in one of the camps,” Byron said. “Thank you to everyone who is supporting The Salvation Army. There are lots of people out here who need help.”
Please join The Salvation Army in serving those affected by the COVID-19 crisis by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer. Your help will provide emergency assistance and hope for people and families in desperate need.
If you are feeling lonely, fearful or hopeless due to the COVID-19 crisis, call our Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline at 877-220-4195 anytime between 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Central Time. Trained Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers will be available to talk, listen to you, and pray for you.