The Salvation Army in St. Thomas provides warm meals for homeless population during COVID-19 isolation

Although this may be the season when families gather and celebrate, The Salvation Army in Ontario continues to mobilize and provide hope to those experiencing homelessness.

COVID-19 knows no boundaries and doesn’t recognize holidays, and due to a recent outbreak among the homeless population in St. Thomas, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) and The Salvation Army St. Thomas Citadel stepped up to provide warm meals while 17 individuals were in quarantine at a temporary isolation centre and motel.

“The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services responds as rapidly as we possibly can when we’re called for assistance,” says Trevor McLellan, Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator with The Salvation Army in Ontario. “We provided breakfast and lunch every day for two weeks. Emergencies come in many shapes and sizes. We often think of tornadoes and forest fires, but this is a significant public health emergency where we are able to mobilize and help out.”

Captain Nyree Bond, Corps Officer with The Salvation Army St. Thomas Citadel, said the 14-day isolation period ends on Christmas Day, and everyone helped to prepare meals.

“There were five of us preparing the meals for breakfast and lunch. The meals were made at the church and then we delivered them. Providing hope to the community’s most vulnerable is part of our mission,” says Captain Nyree.

Clothing from the local Salvation Army Thrift Store was also provided, and once the quarantine ended new clean clothes were supplied.

Captain Nyree says The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle Campaign plays a vital role in St. Thomas Citadel’s ability to provide hope to vulnerable individuals and families who are struggling or are homeless and find themselves in isolation due to COVID-19.

“Our annual Christmas Kettle Campaign is our major fundraiser, and all donations remain local and help us support the needs of the community, whether it’s homelessness, food insecurity, unemployment, mental health support or toys for children for Christmas. The income from kettles supports programs and services all year long. Without that funding we are not able to handle situations like this,” says Captain Nyree.

The kettle campaign runs until Dec. 24. Donations can also be made online at any time at www.salvationarmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.