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The Fight Against Pandemic Poverty

Across the country, millions of Americans are reeling from the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. Faced with challenges including job and income loss, hunger, and the inability to pay bills, they’re being forced to make difficult decisions between basic necessities.

For many, these choices could mean the difference between “home” and “homeless.”

This issue — pandemic poverty — is having a profound impact on the stability of American families:

63% of Americans have been living paycheck to paycheck since the pandemic began
80% of households have likely spent their stimulus checks to pay off debts or cover essential household expenses
Between 9 and 12 million households currently have unpaid bills
17 million people are food insecure

As of March 2021, the poverty rate reached a pandemic high of 11.7% — a full point higher than one year prior. As these trends continue, millions of families are at risk of entering a generational cycle of poverty and homelessness.

Keeping Families From Crossing Over The Line

The Salvation Army serves those struggling to make ends meet via a multitude of sheltering resources. We focus on helping vulnerable families maintain housing stability through rent and bill pay assistance programs.

See our COVID-19 Impact Report

The Salvation Army’s service across the nation:

The Salvation Army Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi Division has worked tirelessly to help those affected by COVID-19. In total, the division has provided:
- 950,453 meals
- 296,535 nights of shelter
- 255,176 toys and gifts
- Disaster assistance to 128,429 individuals
- 101,201 items of clothing
Through its feeding program, The Salvation Army delivers groceries to 250-300 local seniors each week.
The Salvation Army is serving lunch to volunteers administering COVID-19 vaccines.

The Salvation Army Alaska Division has distributed food boxes and implemented feeding programs to assist those who’ve been affected by COVID-19.
The division has delivered 58,000 meals to individuals quarantined at home, which has been an integral part of helping address the state’s food insecurities.
In total, Alaska has provided more than 342,735 meals, 49,475 snacks, and 10,000 nights of shelter, along with 3,000 masks and hygiene kits.
Alaska is providing help to those in need of rent and utility assistance during the statewide unemployment crisis.

From March to December 2020, the Southwest Division — Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Nevada — assisted 341,370 people affected by COVID-19. The state has also provided:
- 423,375 meals
- 556,697 snacks and beverages
- 125,367 emergency food boxes
- 114,764 PPE and hygiene kits
- 47,590 individuals with emotional and spiritual care
The Southwest Division continues to provide personal protective equipment to its clients and first responders fighting on the pandemic’s front lines.

The Oklahoma and Arkansas Division partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help address the states’ food insecurities. Since mid-March, the division has provided:
- 264,313 meals
- 22,000 food boxes
- 31,880 nights of shelter
- 7,103 personal hygiene kits
- Conducted 31,796 client interviews
The Red Shield Cafe in Hot Spring provides lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and lunch on Sundays. 100 individuals are served every night, and the cafe is seeing a 50% increase in traffic.

The Salvation Army has provided 6,338,304 meals, 211,893 PPE kits, and 134,229 nights of lodging to those impacted by the pandemic.
Areas of California have implemented community learning hubs or socially distanced programs for children to attend Zoom classes to equip them with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in school.
In May, The Salvation Army in San Francisco partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints to provide 4,000 food boxes to families in need. The Salvation Army also partnered with the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to deliver daily meals to those experiencing homelessness and living in campsites.

The Colorado Springs Corps implemented a new full-time remote program for children to receive breakfast, lunch, and two snacks a day, along with staff support to children during remote learning with opportunities for physical activity and art.
In total, The Salvation Army has provided 1,304,538 meals and 1,537,497 nights of lodging through rental and mortgage assistance to individuals affected by the pandemic.
The Salvation Army of Colorado opened up seven hotels and made 850 beds available throughout Denver to accommodate those affected by COVID-19.

In Connecticut, The Salvation Army continues to work with DoorDash and other community resource coordinators to provide supplies to those positive with COVID-19.
The Salvation Army is expanding its partnerships and coordinating efforts with the Department of Agriculture, United Way 211, DoorDash, Community Resource Coordinators, and the National Guard to support various food insecurities throughout the state.
The Salvation Army is providing food boxes at 25 testing sites throughout the state of Connecticut.
Roughly 3,200 food boxes (approximately 73,500 meals) are delivered every two weeks.
The Salvation Army Connecticut is distributing PPE equipment and hand sanitizer.

In total, The Salvation Army PENDEL Division (Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware) has served over 894.658 people, including serving 17 million meals and providing 38,605 individuals with rent and utility assistance.
The Salvation Army of Delaware expanded its food pantry service offerings by adding drive-through distribution events in coordination with Delaware State Police and Delaware Department of Transportation.
The Salvation Army’s child-care program has been identified by the State of Delaware as an “essential child-care provider.”

The Potomac Division — Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. — organized 12 learning enrichment centers for local children whose families were not equipped for virtual learning. The enrichment centers made tutoring, homework help, recreation, and music activities available to children during the pandemic.
In Washington D.C. officers and employees of The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command packaged food boxes for distribution, resulting in nearly 10,000 pounds of non-perishable deliveries to families and individuals experiencing financial difficulty.

The Salvation Army of Florida has provided 122,024 meal kits and food items to individuals, along with 102,564 bottles of water, and 2.1 million pounds of product to the field.
In Palm Beach County, The Salvation Army has adapted its efforts to serve those in need through drive-through food distribution, financial assistance, extended housing and services to those experiencing homelessness, and adjusting the Community Center’s hours to help working parents.

The Salvation Army has served 200,371 meals, provided 50,144 nights of shelter, and distributed 26,595 food boxes to those affected by the pandemic.
The Salvation Army in Savannah partnered with Toyota to help distribute more than 200 meals to seniors throughout the area.

The Salvation Army of Hawaii has provided 1,271,738 meals and emotional and spiritual care to 12,599 individuals.

The Salvation Army of Idaho has provided 84,942 meals, 4,987 items of PPE, and emotional and spiritual care to 6,478 people in need.

The Salvation Army is providing digital and contactless services including 588,514 bags of groceries; more than 50,000 nights of shelter; 368,947 PPE items; and 29,236 meals, snacks, and beverages to those in need since the onset of COVID-19.
The Salvation Army’s Metropolitan Division has provided $1,137,649 in emergency financial grants to help keep families in their homes.
The Salvation Army in Illinois has shifted to alternative volunteerism efforts like remote youth services and door-to-door pastoral and community care.

The Salvation Army Western Michigan and Northern Indiana Division has served 23,041 meals; provided 197,713 individuals with social services; and distributed 153,009 toys, 57,135 grocery orders, and 9,577 home meal deliveries since the onset of COVID-19.
Since the start of the pandemic, The Salvation Army of Indiana has provided nearly 198,000 services to those in need. These services include 153,009 toys for Christmas, $491,727 in rent and mortgage assistance, 75,418 individual meals, and 21,945 food boxes to families.

The Salvation Army of Iowa is feeding workers on the frontlines of the pandemic and providing contactless food and toy distribution.
The Salvation Army of Iowa is providing warm winter clothing items and gear to those experiencing homelessness.

Since the onset of the pandemic, The Salvation Army of Kansas has provided more than 281,000 meals, snacks, and drinks; 32,000 food boxes; and over 36,000 nights of shelter.
The Salvation Army of Kansas has given three-quarters of a million dollars worth of groceries.

The Salvation Army of Kentucky is fighting tirelessly to provide their communities with the resources and supplies they need to fight COVID-19 by expanding overnight shelters and providing case management support for those experiencing homelessness, who are also in quarantine.
The Salvation Army of Kentucky created a Clothing Closet for families and individuals to receive clean clothes, socks, shoes, coats, underwear, and other items needed during the pandemic.

The Salvation Army ALM Division (Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi) has served more than 950,453 meals, provided 296,535 nights of shelter, and distributed 255,176 toys and gifts since the onset of COVID-19.
The division has also provided disaster assistance to 128,429 individuals and supplied 101,201 items of clothing
The Salvation Army of New Orleans is providing permanent housing, financial assistance resources, and meals to families that have been affected by the virus.

The Salvation Army Northern New England Division — Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont — has served 466,741 meals, 31,294 drinks, and provided 4,123 individuals with emotional and spiritual care since the onset of COVID-19.
The Salvation Army’s Portland Maine Corps’ volunteers continue serving hot cups of coffee and sleeping bags donated by L.L. Bean to those experiencing homelessness.

In Maryland, The Salvation Army has provided 62,120 food boxes and groceries, 860,625 meals and snacks, 798 nights of shelter, and 277 instances of emotional and spiritual care to those affected by the pandemic.
The Salvation Army’s Potomac Division implemented a volunteer-driven program from April to August 2020 and served 892,080 meals to those in need through 2,587 volunteer hours.
The Salvation Army of Hagerstown developed a curriculum to help families and individuals who were unable to provide their children with Internet access for school. Last year, in total, the Salvation Army assisted 3,118 individuals through its learning program.

The Salvation Army Western Michigan and Northern Indiana Division provided social services to 197,713 people
The division has also provided over a million dollars in in-kind donations, including pre-packaged meals, PPE, hand sanitizer, and diapers
The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan implemented a contactless food distribution service, serving more than 1,913,429 meals to those affected by the virus.
The Salvation Army received $1,182,679 in donated items and funds to provide utilities, rent, and mortgage assistance to those in need.

The Salvation Army Northern Division — Minnesota and North Dakota — has seen a 140% increase in service requests as a result of the pandemic.
The Salvation Army has provided 187,000 nights of shelter and nearly 5 million meals throughout the Division. Of the 5 million meals, 2.8 million were distributed in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The number of people served through programs in the Northern Division last year totaled more than 450,000, a nearly 40% increase YOY.
At its urban corps locations, The Salvation Army’s rate of distribution represents a 900% increase over its normal food pantry distribution.

The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi has provided more than 950,453 meals, 296,535 nights of shelter, disaster assistance to 128,429 individuals, 101,201 items of clothing, 72,761 comfort kits, and 255,176 toys and gifts since the onset of COVID-19.
The Gulf Coast is serving over 100 meals a day to community members, as well as providing food packages to seniors who can’t procure food on their own.
The Salvation Army in Jackson, Mississippi, is supplying resources to its seniors and emotional and spiritual care to the overall community.

In the Midland Division — Missouri and Southern Illinois — The Salvation Army is:
- Providing food delivery to shut-in seniors
- Conducting contactless, drive-through food and toy distributions
- Distributing meals to students whose schools were closed due to COVID-19
- Distributing meals to front-line workers and health-care workers
- Executing all in-corps social services programs under new pandemic-safety protocols
The Salvation Army Kansas and Western Missouri Division has served more than 281,000 meals, snacks, and drinks, 32,000 food boxes, and more than 36,000 nights of shelter since the onset of the pandemic.

Since COVID-19 hit, The Salvation Army of Montana has provided 104,849 meals and 55,651 snacks to those affected by the pandemic.

From March to December 2020, the Omaha Division served more than 421,000 meals and 23,000 grab-and-go lunches, filled over 5,000 food pantry orders, and distributed more than 2,000 activity kits; it also delivered nearly 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to shut-in seniors.
Through the use of produce distribution programs and food pantries, the North Platte Corps in Western Nebraska donated over 1 million pounds of food during the pandemic.

From March to December 2020, Southern Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona — The Southwest Division — assisted 341,370 people affected by COVID-19. The division also provided 423,375 meals, 556,697 snacks and beverages, 125,367 emergency food boxes, 114,764 PPE items and hygiene kits, and helped 47,590 individuals with emotional and spiritual care.
The Southwest Division is providing PPE to its clients and first responders on the pandemic’s frontlines.

The Salvation Army Northern New England Division — New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont — continues to provide assistance to those affected by the pandemic, serving 466,741 meals and 31,294 drinks to families and individuals.
The Northern New England Division provided 4,123 instances of emotional and spiritual care to those in need.

Since the onset of the pandemic, food pantries and kitchens have been in high demand in New Jersey. Last year, The Salvation Army served approximately 2 million meals and has seen a 450% increase in service requests this year as a result of COVID-19.

From March to December 2020, New Mexico, Southern Nevada, and Arizona —The Southwest Division — assisted 341,370 people affected by COVID-19, provided 423,375 meals, 556,697 snacks and beverages, 125,367 emergency food boxes, 114,764 items of PPE and hygiene kits, and helped 47,590 individuals with emotional and spiritual care.
The Southwest Division is currently providing PPE to its clients and first responders fighting on the pandemic’s front lines.

Since the onset of the pandemic, The Salvation Army of Greater New York has served 7,316,621 meals and gained 11,264 volunteers to help victims of COVID-19.

The Salvation Army of North and South Carolina has found safe, innovative ways to engage in the community. Worship services, Sunday school, Bible studies, and all other events have been moved online.
In total, the division has served more than 136,000 meals and 78,000 food boxes to those affected by the pandemic.

The Salvation Army Northern division — Minnesota and North Dakota — have seen a 140% increase in service requests as a result of the pandemic.
Throughout the year, The Salvation Army provided 187,000 nights of shelter and nearly 5 million meals division-wide.
The number of people served through all programs in the Northern Division last year totaled more than 450,000, an almost 40% increase from the previous year.

In the Ohio SWONEKY Division, The Salvation Army has served 1,017,249 meals, given 31,709 hours of emotional and spiritual care, and received 37,702 hours of volunteer work to help individuals overcome the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
The NEOSA division has also contributed to the state's overall relief efforts. From March to September 2020, the division has:
- Served 4,667,794 meals — a 119% increase from 2019
- Assisted 269,670 individuals — a 74% increase from 2019
- Gained 16,900 volunteers
- Provided 104,928 hours of emotional and spiritual care

The Salvation Army Oklahoma and Arkansas Division partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help address the states’ food insecurities.
Since mid-March, The Salvation Army has provided 264,313 meals, 22,000 food boxes, 31,880 nights of shelter, and distributed over 7,103 personal hygiene kits.

Since the pandemic began, The Salvation Army of Oregon has served 609,903 meals and provided 34,818 nights of lodging to families and individuals impacted by COVID-19.

The Western Pennsylvania Division is operating two school programs for virtual learning, providing children with a consistent, supportive learning environment.
The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division served 590,318 individuals in need across the division. Such serves included 796,732 meals, 381,840 filled grocery orders, 807 housing assistance orders, 46,290 nights of shelter and stable housing, and 3,811 nights of emergency shelter
The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division has served 894,658 people since the pandemic, a 182% increase from last year.
In total, The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania Delaware Division has served over 17 million meals and assisted 38,605 individuals through rent and utility assistance since the onset of the pandemic.

All public programming paused.
Grocery distribution from local service centers
All Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Irma disaster relief case management being conducted via telephone.

In Rhode Island, The Salvation Army is conducting contactless, drive-through food and toy distributions, providing meals to front-line workers, and executing all in-corps social service programs under pandemic safety protocols.
Since March 7, 2020, The Salvation Army has served 1,020,962 meals and gained 2,952 volunteers to assist families and individuals affected by COVID-19.

In 2020, the need for rent and utility assistance grew exponentially in South Carolina, and by the end of the year, The Salvation Army dispersed more than $1.5 million into the community to help over 600 households affected by the pandemic.
The Salvation Army of North and South Carolina found safe, innovative ways to engage in the community through virtual worship services, Sunday school, and Bible studies.
In total, The Salvation Army of South Carolina has served more than 136,000 meals and 78,000 food boxes to those affected by COVID-19.

In South Dakota, The Salvation Army facilities have learning pods and family resource hubs to provide educational and technological support for children. The resources include tutors, laptops, Wi-Fi, and opportunities for physical activity and art exploration.
The Salvation Army also provides gasoline cards, food boxes, snacks, and financial assistance to help further fight the challenges presented by COVID-19.

The Salvation Army of Tennessee’s employees increased the frequency of mobile canteen feedings, provided on-site virtual learning for children, transitioned to virtual client appointments, and worked with local agencies to provide rent and utility assistance to those in need.
The Salvation Army of Tennessee partnered with 38 Memphis-area restaurants to provide 25,000 meals to those in need.
Through a $77,777 Toyota USA Foundation grant, the division created an ongoing partnership with Kroger and Carpenter Art Garden in Binghamton to provide grocery gift cards for families in need.

The Salvation Army of Texas is providing drive-through food distribution services to accommodate an increase in food insecurity. In total, the division has served 834,730 meals, 173,887 food boxes, and provided 182,077 nights of shelter to those affected by COVID-19.

Since the onset of COVID-19, The Salvation Army of Utah has served 500,615 meals, distributed 13,176 PPE items, and provided 7,683 individuals with rent assistance and nights of lodging.

The Salvation Army’s Northern New England Division — Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine — continue to provide assistance to those affected by the pandemic, serving 466,741 meals and 31,294 drinks to families and individuals in need.
The Northern New England Division has provided 4,123 instances of emotional and spiritual care to those in need during the pandemic.

The Potomac Division — Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. — organized 12 learning enrichment centers for local children whose families were not equipped for virtual learning. The learning centers provided students with tutoring, homework help, recreation, and music activities during the pandemic.
In Covington, The Salvation Army partnered with local organizations to deliver food, food baskets, paper goods, cleaning products, and other supplies to seniors and homebound individuals in need of assistance during the pandemic.
The Salvation Army of Suffolk assembled and served restaurant meals for the community every Tuesday and Thursday, an effort that provided nearly 100 meals daily, in partnership with the Love Local, Buy Suffolk initiative.

Since the onset of COVID-19, The Salvation Army of Washington has served 1,845,186 meals, provided 115,892 nights of shelter, and distributed 77,260 PPE items.

In West Virginia, The Salvation Army provided 17,132 food boxes and groceries, 28,038 meals and snacks, 1,442 nights of shelter, and 2,312 instances of emotional and spiritual care to those in need.

The Salvation Army launched its Helping Hands for Healthcare Heroes in March of 2021 to feed healthcare workers on the frontlines. Meals are distributed at Milwaukee County hospital and clinics, with the help of AT&T’s generous grant of $35K.

Since the pandemic started, The Salvation Army of Wyoming has served 337,759 meals, 10,691 beverages, and provided 12,619 individuals stable shelter and financial assistance.

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Find help during this health crisis

We’re serving people who have been impacted by COVID-19 all around the country.

If you or a loved one needs help, please contact your local Salvation Army to see what services are available in your area.

Find a Salvation Army Near Me

Coronavirus Covid-19: How you can help

The essential services that we provide on a year-round basis – homeless shelters, food pantries, disaster relief, veteran’s services and others – are for the benefit of our country’s most vulnerable people. Because of a lack of information and access to good hygiene, homeless families and those living in poverty have been hit especially hard by the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

We know concerned Americans are looking for ways to help during this crisis. The Salvation Army will continue to open our arms, hearts, and doors to those who need us, but our homeless shelters and food pantries are quickly reaching capacity. We are at work finding alternatives and solutions to this reality, like mobile food service and deliveries to families in need who are sheltering in place.

Please consider helping us help your neighbors in need during this crisis. You can rest assured that your donation will stay in your own area.

Q: How can I donate money to support Coronavirus COVID-19 relief efforts?

A: To support The Salvation Army, a monetary donation ensures we can continue service delivery in your community. Financial contributions allow us to quickly respond to changing needs, as well as support local economies through the purchase of goods. Every dollar gives hope to those living in poverty during this pandemic.

Your donations to The Salvation Army help us serve the most vulnerable members of your community.

Donate Money

Your monetary donations are the best way to help us serve the most vulnerable members of your community.

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Partnerships

Join in meaningful corporate partnerships to help The Salvation Army do the most good during this crisis.

Become a Fundraiser

Create your own fundraiser to provide help to those in need in your community.

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Donate Monthly

Ongoing revenue from recurring gifts empowers The Salvation Army to expand our services further and faster.

Learn More

Q: Are The Salvation Army thrift stores open for me to donate clothes and household items?

A: Some of our thrift stores have reopened and are accepting clothing and household goods. Please visit our Thrift Stores locator to find your nearest drop-off location or to schedule a pickup where available.

Q: How can I mobilize others from my computer?

Create your own fundraiser to provide hope to those in need in your community.

Q: Can I make a recurring gift?

A: Yes. The assurance of ongoing revenue from recurring gifts empowers The Salvation Army to expand our services further and faster.

Q: Can I donate food?

A: Yes. Local Salvation Army facilities are in need of the following in-kind items:

- non-perishable food
- baby supplies
- hygiene products
- cleaning and sanitizing items
- paper products

Check with your local Salvation Army to learn what’s needed.

Q: Can I volunteer my time to the cause?

A: In some locations, yes. Please check with your local Salvation Army to see if there are any volunteer opportunities if you would like benefit your community that way.

Thank you to our Covid-19 partners

The Salvation Army is proud to partner with the following organizations who support our mission to meet human need during this health crisis.

PR contacts

National media relations are handled by The Salvation Army National Headquarters in Alexandria, VA, and its public relations consultant, Richards Partners.

All local media are asked to first contact their local Salvation Army representative for all inquiries, including spokesperson requests.

Territorial Press Contacts Local Contacts

For media queries, please contact:

The Salvation Army
703-302-8640
mediarelations@salvationarmyusa.org

Interested in a national corporate partnership?

For other inquiries, contact your local Salvation Army:

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