Needs get Answered with Donation

A $30,000 grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians helped the San Bernardino area Salvation Army serve the needs of thousands of hungry, homeless and hopeless people in San Bernardino, Highland, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace and Bloomington. “San Manuel’s funding supported our Emergency Food and Shelter Program,” said Major Daniel Henderson director of the San Bernardino Area Corps. The Salvation Army’s daily food service helps low income and homeless, and their sheltering operation houses homeless families. “Last year 60,475 free, hot, nutritious meals were served to the hungry from The Salvation Army’s homeless shelter, and Sunday through Friday at 4:45 p.m. at the Corps Office on 746 West 5th Street in San Bernardino,” said Major Henderson. “We help with more than a meal. We also deliver prayer and God’s love. Other services include help for people in need with counseling, laundry, hot showers and use of bathrooms. The Salvation Army’s daily meals service opens the door for people who want to get off the streets through our shelter programs,” said Major Henderson. “Homeless families received 12,464 nights of shelter last year. Many supportive services are provided with each night of shelter including: meals, laundry, hot showers, tutoring and case management,” said Anne Metu, MILR, CADC-II director of the Transitional Housing Center. “The people served at The Salvation Army shelter come from all walks of life. The challenges of homelessness touch all ethnic groups and ages. We serve many single parent families with children, and women without children,” said Metu. “Men are welcome if they are legally married within the family, or they have sole custody of their minor children. We do not accept single men as the need is so great for women, children and families,” said Metu. The issue of homelessness continues to disrupt many families in the Inland Empire region. These displaced individuals are thrust into living situations that make them vulnerable to many problems. Providing emergency services is not an easy undertaking. Displaced families are vulnerable, scared, and often have behavioral issues upon arrival at the shelter. “Our front-line strategy is to have capable and caring staff to help new arrivals through the entire shelter process from intake to graduation,” said Metu. The emergency shelter is a 90-day program. The Salvation Army also offers a 24-month transitional program for which people staying at the shelter are eligible. For more information in the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter call 909-888-4880. For information about the emergency meals program call 909-888-1336.