In response to the rising levels of anxiety, uncertainty, and fear resulting from this unprecedented pandemic, The Salvation Army has launched its first nationwide hotline to provide emotional and spiritual care to anyone impacted by this crisis. If you’re looking for spiritual guidance or local services, or if you just need someone to talk to, Salvation Army officers who are pastors and emotional-care personnel are there to listen.
The phone number is 1-844-458-HOPE (4673). Staff are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, and will answer calls made from anywhere in the U.S. Counselors speak English and Spanish, and callers are encouraged to leave a message if they call after hours. People can also visit www.SalvationArmyFlorida.org/pray to have one of the pastors contact them directly.
As the nation’s largest social services organization with a presence in almost every ZIP code in America, The Salvation Army has expanded its efforts to meet the overwhelming need caused by COVID-19. Uniquely positioned to assist those vulnerable in Florida communities, The Salvation Army’s current response is focused on:
- Food security – expanding food assistance with new delivery and drive-through options
- Shelter – providing safe shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness
- Virtual worship – offering virtual services during this outbreak using livestreaming tools to continue providing faith, hope and healing, which will be especially important this Easter
- Virtual children’s programs – offering weekly meetings for children and teens to connect with community center leaders to talk through their feelings and anxiety
Though The Salvation Army is committed to meeting need wherever it exists, COVID-19 will greatly increase the number of service requests received for months – if not years – to come. As a result, ongoing public support will be critical in ensuring no one is turned away or overlooked.
People can join the fight for good and support their local Salvation Army and community by visiting www.SalvationArmyFlorida.org/covid19.