"NO ORDINARY DRIVE-THRU"

THE SALVATION ARMY OPENS UNIQUE WALK-UP WINDOW IN PORTLAND AND DRIVE-THRU SERVICE ACROSS OREGON IN RESPONSE TO 30 PERCENT INCREASE IN FOOD ASSISTANCE 

Portland, Oregon (April 6, 2020) - As the country’s largest social service provider, we are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, including when in crisis. These are challenging and uncertain times for us all. Be assured, The Salvation Army in Oregon is hard at work to meet the physical and spiritual needs of our community by providing food to the hungry and sharing hope in the place of fear. 

At The Salvation Army’s shelter in downtown Portland, staff and volunteers are committed to serving those in the most need on the streets: 

In downtown Portland, the Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter (SAFES) is serving around 125 people daily to-go meals, coffee, and tea through a 6-inch window to anyone in need. (Photo Attached) As well as hundreds of needed supplies including hygiene kits, emergency clothing, socks, and blankets (as donations allow). 

Across Oregon, the need for food has increased by 30% in the last two weeks. Salvation Army locations across Oregon, including Portland, Bend, and Medford have implemented drive-thru food services and home delivery to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

“Many people are coming to us for the first time seeking help. With the greater numbers, we must take extra precautions to protect them and our volunteers and staff from COVID-19 exposure” said Major Bob Lloyd, The Salvation Army Portland Metro Coordinator. 

In recent weeks, many Americans have been asked to shelter at home and ‘social distance’ themselves in the effort to halt the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). While unquestionably necessary in the fight against this pandemic, an unfortunate effect of social distancing has also been economic struggles for those already living paycheck-to-paycheck. Many have had their work hours reduced or have been laid off indefinitely.

A parent in Albany left a note behind on a cart once containing a food box, produce, frozen meat, bread and hygiene products were returned from a trip to the parking lot with a note: “Thx very, very much, you saved us. God bless”.

This crisis is stretching our resources, and we need your help. Give now at cascade.salvationarmy.org. When you donate, your money stays local to help your community. 

The Salvation Army is providing food for Oregonians in over 20 locations across the state. As services are adapted to meet the need, we continue to update The Salvation Army’s COVID-19 Resource page: https://salarmy.us/COVID-19Services