SALISBURY — The Salvation Army has been serving the lower shore for the last 100 years, but many residents of the tri-county area don’t know the full scope of what it offers and associate the organization only with Christmas, red pails and ringing bells.
Sherry Maykrantz, the new director of development for the organization, is looking to change that perception with an awareness campaign this year.
“I think the most important thing for us is to bring awareness that we serve Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties,” she said. “Even if there’s not a physical presence, we’re still here and we serve 365 days a year.”
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
16 comments:
"While the Salvation Army is an international organization, an average of 82 of every dollar donated stays local"
This was refreshing to read. I would like to see a really strong focus on getting more kids involved in the youth programs.
I'm amazed with the number of homeless in this area, the Salvation Army doesn't offer a shelter.
The SA store in Salisbury could really use an overhaul. With all the renewed interest on 2nd hand merchandise/reuse/repurpose, I think they are missing out and would see a significant financial gain if the store were spruced up a bit.
When you read the mission of the SA it appears by not helping the homeless with shelter and meals they may not be truly meeting their mission in Salisbury. Youth sports can be handled by other organizations.
My time and treasure will support organizations that help individuals and families get back on their feet, have shelter in this cold weather and feed children and adults who have no food.
With two gyms at the Oak Street complex and another gym at the Hazel Center, the SA could easily house the homeless during this cold weather - and even offer showers - which is something the churches who are doing the sheltering can't offer. The comment has been made that they can't shelter because of their basketball schedule. I guess it is about priorities. However, it should be noted the SA has a basement with a full kitchen in their church where the homeless could be fed and sheltered. The CHOOSE not to do so.
2:10, while the SA does offer temporary shelters and food in some areas where it is needed, does Salisbury need this? I'm asking because a quick count of the press release related to emergency shelters during this cold front showed over 225 spots available throughout Salisbury alone for the homeless. Were they filled to capacity? It appears as though this need is being met by other organizations while the SA is picking up the slack in other areas where the need is greater.
I think greater focus on the youth groups is a great idea. Whether anyone choose to believe it or not Salisbury is overrun with poverty and quite frankly 'parents' who have no business being parents. Anything anyone can do to get these kids out of their bleak lives for even a short while may have some positive influence on them and quite possibly not having them to rely on free food and shelter as adults.
Since it seems ALL the shelters are being run by religious organization how about the atheists and liberals step up and open a homeless shelter.
2:36 - Wicomico Rec & Parks, Fruitland Falcons, West Salisbury Little League, etc. all offer youth programs. By the way there are over 1200 children in Wicomico County considered to be homeless. 225 "spots" doesn't begin to fill the need. SA has better facilities than some of the current shelters...with 3 gyms, surely they could offer some support to the homeless during the coldest season of the year.
5:06
Have you checked the prices for the places you listed? Again where are the liberals and non Christians when it comes to the homeless? People keep pounding their chest and want religion out of their business yet they want the same religious organizations to foot the bill on everything. The old firehouse would have made a great homeless shelter but the liberals in Salisbury didn't want to have to pay for that. They just think it is up to the churches to do it all. The civic center has many different rooms there. Why is the county not opening that up for the homeless.
As 5:48 stated all the sports programs you mentioned cost money. As far as your "homeless children" figure, that is untrue. You may be relying upon numbers based on the federal definition of a 'homeless child.' Can't remember the exact name of the Act but any child who lives with other relatives besides a parent is considered homeless and even those who reside in a trailer park. To be considered 'homeless' you don't necessarily have to be living in a car or an abandoned building.
While actual homelessness is hard to get a firm number on, there isn't 1200 homeless people, much less children in all of Wic Co.
FYI- statistic complied by the State show approximately slightly under 500 beds were used throughout the year by those in the 1-17 yr old range.
Kids do not play at the Army for free. There is a fee - and yes, it is probably less than at other places, but I don't know that for sure. Having worked the concession stand at football games there, I can tell you many of the "parents" and siblings come up with $20 bills and buy tons of junk food. Some (not all) of the "needy" at the Army are just taking advantage of the system. Many could pay for their kids to play elsewhere - but it is all about priorities and getting as much as you can from the system. It is hard to see those who aren't truly needy using funds that could aid those homeless and hungry.
All I can say is this. God Bless all of those people and organizations that do what they can to care for the homeless.
Interesting how Liberals want to take God out of everything, yet they want God to pay and care for those in such need.
How convenient.
My friend is on a board of a volunteer homeless organization, in a large city, several states away. She once told me that hardly any of the beds they set up for emergency situations, such as a freeze are used. They end up having to turn most away because they reek of alcohol. They have to keep records of this to report to the government and then the government reports it as the homeless were turned away and everyone thinks it's because of no room.
anonymous 7:21, Many homeless are staying away from shelters because of their addictions. Mayor Ireton and Chief Duncan ENCOURAGE you to report anyone you might think is homeless and do you know why? Because they want to run a background check on ALL of them and this is why they push HALO so much.
I can tell you back two years ago I was giving out food to the homeless and the Mayor and Chief put a stop to it because they wanted these people to go to the shelters to eat so they could have them checked. Well, these people probably have a history, YET they are still going hungry. I figured, why not feed them so they don't go out and steal from others to get food.
Again, Liberal leadership.
The local Salvation Army does put people up in places in emergency situations and does offer home heating assistance, food and clothing and supplies for children 5:06. If you think for one second all the beds were anywhere near occupied at the emergency shelters opened last night then you are really out of touch. 225 more than fulfills the need.
There are 2 schools of thought on homelessness Joe. One is the way the mayor and chief think. That is, that everyone really wants the help for their addictions which is what ultimately lead to their living condition and will go into a structured setting if no one helps them. While there are concerns with giving them food (a lot have cirrhosis and/or hepatitis and even a minute amount of protein causes medical problems-dairy proteins fare better-best to stick to carbs such as pasta/rice/beans)do we let them go hungry because the bottom line is, most of the chronic homeless are that way by choice because they don't want the rules and structure. Most aren't mentally ill per se but more a substance induced psychosis type of thing.
I've known Sherry for close to 20 years though I haven't seen her for around 5 years now. She is perfect for this job. She's not only creative, but she has a great personality. Plus I know her mother and her mother in law and I know they will be right in there volunteering at ever chance they get, so the SA is getting like a 3 for one deal with her.
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