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The Salvation Army sets up temporary housing for children whose parents are coping with the virus.
By Lessa Peter –
In April, The Salvation Army opened a child vulnerability shelter in Anchorage, Alaska in response to a request from the city of Anchorage. Located on The Salvation Army Family Enrichment Campus, the building, which was being used as a 12-bed women’s residential treatment facility, was converted into a children’s shelter within two weeks of the request. Women at the treatment facility were moved to another building.
The children who may stay at the shelter have been exposed to COVID-19 but have tested negative. For children who are exhibiting symptoms, an isolation room in a private area of the shelter will serve as temporary placement (up to 24 hours) for kids awaiting healthcare placement. Salvation Army trained staff will care for children 0 – 12 years old, 24/7. Age exceptions will be made for family units, to make sure siblings can stay together.
“During times like this, it can be scary for parents who don’t have a circle of support if they are faced with contracting COVID-19,” said Major Pamilla Brackenbury, The Salvation Army Alaska Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries and Divisional Secretary for Program. “The Salvation Army is here to continue ‘Doing the Most Good’ by offering a safe shelter for children while their parents recover from the virus.”
Meals for the children will be prepared by The Salvation Army McKinnell House family shelter chef and the kids will have opportunities for recreation at the Anchorage Corps Community Center gym, which is on the same campus.
Local quilters are working to complete 100 quilts for the children’s residence. Recently, the Anchorage Log-Cabin Quilting Guild finished 35 quilts and 25 more are in various stages of completion.
“The children’s shelter exemplifies The Salvation Army’s mission to help the most vulnerable, in the most need, in His name,” said Major John Brackenbury, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Alaska. “We are grateful to have the ability to support those in the most need with partners like the Anchorage Municipality.”
Parents in the Anchorage area who have contracted COVID-19 and need emergency care for their children can contact The Salvation Army at (907) 375-3562.
HOW TO HELP:
- If you’d like to make a monetary donation, please click here to make a gift.
- Text ‘GIVE’ to 52000 to make a $10 donation to The Salvation Army. This will automatically add a one-time donation to your next mobile phone bill.
- For information about volunteering, please visit volunteer.usawest.org.
- To learn more about how to support The Salvation Army’s relief efforts, please click here.
