Salvation Army Provides Emergency Relief In Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — With residents of Contra Costa and all other Bay Area counties now under mandatory shelter-at-home health orders to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, The Salvation Army Del Oro Division has activated its Emergency Disaster Response. In Contra Costa County, the nonprofit's Concord Corps is providing food, and as many other resources government guidelines permit, to those in need.

"Our mission remains unchanged in these fast-developing times: to meet human needs in the name of God without discrimination," said Samantha Jarosz, spokeswoman for The Salvation Army Del Oro Division in Northern California and Nevada.

"In following that mission, all Salvation Army officers are now reassigned to Emergency Disaster Services so that we may respond where and when we are needed," Jarosz said.

The Salvation Army is still operating all of its residential homeless and homeless prevention-type programs; shelters, transitional living and adult rehabilitation programs.

"In all of our programs and services, we are following the recommendations set forth by the CDC, HUD and local health and government officials to keep our facilities, employees and those we serve safe," Jarosz said. "The Salvation Army feels it is imperative that we continue serving in any way we can. Millions of people depend on us across the country, and that need is expected to grow as this emergency continues."

Here is how The Salvation Army's Concord Corps, 3950 Clayton Road in Concord is assisting community members as part of its COVID-19 relief effort:

• Food pantry open to public (one person allowed in at a time to ensure social distancing): 10 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; Also able to deliver food boxes to clients in their vehicles.
• Housing 12 individuals in sober living program, providing food and essentials.
• Contacting seniors by phone and email to make sure they’re OK.
• The Concord Corps' normal in-person church services are postponed, but transitioning to livestream services.

Ways The Community Can Help

The Salvation Army runs on volunteer power, Jarosz said. Those who are interested and able to donate their time to help others during this trying time are encouraged to send an email to Volunteer Coordinator Hannah Hubner at Hannah.Hubner@usw.salvationarmy.org.

"Those who are unable to give their time can still help us meet the needs in their community by making a monetary donation," Jarosz said. "All of our community centers, facilities and programs need support to continue serving the most vulnerable populations. Donate online at Gosalarmy.org."

Corporations and foundations looking to get involved in The Salvation Army Del Oro Division's COVID-19 relief effort may send an email to Teri McClanahan by email at Teri.McClanahan@usw.salvationarmy.org.