×

Salvation Army responds to coronavirus pandemic

STILL THE CASE — “Prayer changes things” was the message outside the Salvation Army of Steubenville when Lt. Erik Muhs, pastor/corps officer of the Salvation Army of Steubenville, came to the area in July 2017. The sentiment in this file photo remains the same in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Muhs. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — “We know that people who may not have used our pantry before will need to in the coming weeks,” predicts Lt. Erik Muhs pastor/corps officer of the Salvation Army of Steubenville at 332 N. Fourth St., along with his wife, Barri Vazquez-Muhs.

“People who are hard-working, tax-paying, honest citizens will need our help. This is not a time to be ashamed of asking for help, but a time to come together to fight this virus united,” Muhs communicated through Facebook to Herald-Star questions.

A news release had been submitted prior to that, describing the Salvation Army as the nation’s largest social services organization with more than 7,600 service locations across the country and noting it is increasing efforts to meet human need.

In response to the local unit’s response, Muhs noted, “We are now asking not for your clothing, canned food or even volunteer services. We ask that you stay home, spread good news and give out of the warmth of your hearts. Your dollars in the days, weeks and months to come will help those who are in real need.”

People can donate online at salvationarmyusa.org or send a check payable to the Salvation Army of Steubenville to the local address at P.O. Box 1226, Steubenville OH 43952.

The Salvation Army’s hours have been altered, according to Muhs.

“Our hours have changed slightly,” he said. They are Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. “Friday is being reserved for senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems. Those hours are 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The local Salvation Army is seeing more people in need.

“There has been an increase of 62 percent more people to use our food pantry from February to March, and I’m sure April will see an even greater rise,” Muhs said.

While donations of canned goods to the food pantry traditionally are appreciated, “the safety factor as of right now is what we are most concerned about,” he noted.

“We are always grateful for those who give nonperishable food. However, when the food comes from the Mid-Ohio Foodbank in Columbus, they are taking extra precautions in sanitizing products, trucks, shipments and all things through the process. We know that when it comes from them that all facets are cleaned to governmental standards,” he continued.

“With monetary donations, we can continue to purchase this food at a drastically reduced rate, and we know that it is marked safe for consumption without extra sterilization by those who may not have the means to clean products they might otherwise receive.”

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the overall organization has evolved service delivery to ensure that immediate needs of community members, first responders and government partners are met, according to the news release from national headquarters.

“With an expected spike in requests during the coming weeks, months and potentially years, ongoing public support will be needed to help ensure that services are available to existing and new vulnerable populations,” according to the news release.

“While all are impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, the one in six Americans who are living in poverty will likely feel the effects quicker and more significantly.”

“In Steubenville, the Salvation Army is making pre-packed, nutritious food available to anyone who is in need as well as calling those who are self-quarantined and taking prayer requests at any hour of the day,” Muhs noted.

The Muhs couple came to Steubenville in July 2017 and since then, the mission hasn’t changed, coronavirus or no coronavirus.

“We as the Salvation Army globally — in 130-plus countries — and as your local Salvation Army, continue to have the same mission,” Muhs said.

“This is to preach and teach the gospel to as many as we can. In these times of hardship we must cling to these ideals, with new innovative measures. While we are unable to gather in many numbers, we are still strong in Christ, and the Holy Spirit is leading us back to God in ways we may never thought of,” he offered.

As for the approach of Holy Week and the celebration of Easter, “The Salvation Armies of Weirton and Steubenville were going to have a combined service, meal and time of fellowship together on Easter Sunday in Weirton. “However, that is looking extremely unlikely at this time,” Muhs noted in his comments offered Wednesday.

“We were going to kick off Holy Week with a large Shepherd’s Table meal with ham, potatoes and everything you might find on the table,” he said, adding, “There are many times in Jesus’ life we see him withdrawing from his public ministry to fast and pray and remain close to the father.

“In this time of Lent and quarantine, I would encourage people to take the time to be like Jesus and cling close to the father while we are separated. And as we eventually come back together, we can feast and celebrate with new and reignited love for a God who is the essence of love,” Muhs added.

“For emotional and spiritual support, people can call 1 (844) 458-HOPE seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to talk to someone and receive prayer and support,” Muhs added.

In the months that follow, the Salvation Army will continue to provide basic needs to the 23 million Americans it already serves and anticipates it also will serve a new generation of need that is born out of the virus, according to the release.

“Anticipated impacts on the economy and workforce will likely force more Americans to seek rental, utility and other forms of assistance. While the full scope of the pandemic’s economic impact is still unknown, canceled fundraising events and market volatility elevate the need for public support in order to maintain and grow these efforts.

“Though this is an unprecedented situation for all of us, its impact will be greatest on the least of these,” said Commissioner David Hudson, national commander of the Salvation Army. “Millions of Americans already were living paycheck to paycheck, and they will likely face incredible challenges from these uncertain times. Across the country, the Salvation Army is committed to serving those who need our help, and we are thankful for generous public support which will allow that to happen.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today