Salvation Army Prepares Emergency Disaster Services in Response to COVID-19

Upon direction from territorial headquarters, The Salvation Army Maritime Division is mobilizing toward emergency response readiness to support those impacted by COVID-19 across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

“Our emergency disaster services teams are prepared and ready to go the second we receive direction,” says Jan Keats, emergency disaster services coordinator. 

In the maritimes, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams are capable of providing immediate assistance, such as food, hydration, clothing, and emotional and spiritual care, as well as creating safe and efficient systems to ensure needs are met. The team is also able to provide long-term recovery after a crisis.

“We fully understand that we are in unprecedented times, so the way we respond to this emergency is going to be different,” explains Keats. “But we have the systems we need in place to respond quickly and meet the needs of the community, whatever those may be.”

In addition, The Salvation Army continues to provide essential services, such as food banks and shelters, while continuing to closely follow all regulations from both federal and provincial governments, as well as Health Canada.

“While the way we deliver our services may vary at this time, one thing will not change, and that’s our dedication to helping those in need,” says Captain Jamie Locke, divisional secretary for public relations and development. “We know these services are needed now more than ever.”

While we continue to closely monitor the situation, Keats assures maritimers that The Salvation Army is ready to take action the second we are receive direction.

“We’re going to help wherever we can, meet needs where they exist, and be there for our communities throughout these times,” says Keats. “We’re ramping up, we’re not backing down” 

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If you are in need, please contact your local Salvation Army before visiting their location. You can find their contact info on our locations page.

For updates on The Salvation Army in Canada’s response to COVID-19, please visit Salvationist.ca

For answers to frequently asked questions, please follow this link.

For media inquiries, please follow this link to contact Captain Jamie Locke.