Salvation Army Seeks Volunteers For New Homeless Relief Program

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The Salvation Army has launched a coronavirus-related relief program that feeds 675 unsheltered homeless across San Francisco each day. But to keep such a massive program running, they're looking for more volunteers to help out.

The meal delivery program is called MealsinPlaceSF. Every day, it prepares hundreds of meals, then six delivery teams take those meals to people experiencing homelessness at 40 different encampments across the city.

Organizers say this new delivery program is important given the global climate: delivering meals straight to where the people live allows the homeless residents there to safely shelter in place, protecting them and others from the coronavirus.

“It’s part of our mission to serve the community, especially those in need, during a crisis,' said Captain Matthew Madsen, the Regional Director for The Salvation Army. "And now more than ever those who are unhoused, need the extra care and support that we are equipped to provide every day, and certainly during these trying times."

Keeping such an extensive program running requires significant manpower. The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers who can work daily, Monday though Saturday, to help package or distribute the meals. Anyone interested can register online at www.volunteer.usawest.org.

Right now, the MealsinPlaceSF program is set to run for about a month, though it could be extended depending on the duration of the shelter-in-place order and the spread of the coronavirus.

The program is just one way The Salvation Army has been fighting the coronavirus. They say since March 13 they have prepared 26,000 meals, given out 4,000 food pantry items or commodities, given 1,900 children child care and helped pay rent and utility bills for 73 struggling families.