The Salvation Army Western PA Division Plans For Increased Need Created By Government Shutdown

The Salvation Army Western PA Division Plans For Increased Need Created By Government Shutdown
Federal Employees May Apply For Assistance At Their Local Centers 

Carnegie, PA, January 18, 2019:  Anticipating and serving needs in times of crisis is nothing new to The Salvation Army; but for many government workers, knowing where to go for help might be.  Government workers needing help with groceries and the like while not receiving a paycheck can apply at their local Salvation Army Worship and Service Center simply by providing identification as a federal government employee and answering a few questions.  No lengthy application process will be required.  “We know that unexpected hardships can face us all at various points in our life.” said Major Laura Lyle, Program Secretary for The Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania Division, who oversees the program operations of Salvation Army locations throughout its 28-county service area.  “No one needs to be embarrassed to ask for help.  The Salvation Army exists to help those in need, and it works so well because those who are helped often later become faithful donors.  We really are the catalyst to neighbors helping neighbors, which is a wonderful thing,” Lyle continued. 

The Western Pennsylvania Division of The Salvation Army has 44 physical locations throughout its territory where people can go for help.  Throughout Allegheny County there are 10 locations.  However, every zip code throughout the division is covered, if not by a Service Center, by a Service Unit operated by a group of volunteers in the community.  Services are distributed according to an applicant’s zip code in order for the organization to operate efficiently and avoid duplication of service.  A listing of locations can be found on the website at: www.wpa.salvationarmy.org, or people can call the main office at 412-446-1500 to determine the correct location for the zip code where they reside.

Clients currently receiving early distribution of SNAP benefits are urged to spend their benefits wisely, but to know that should greater need arise in the future due to a continuation of the shutdown, The Salvation Army will do its best to help meet those needs, as no one should go hungry.  A special “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” fund has been set up at The Salvation Army for those who wish to help those affected by the Government Shutdown.  You can donate securely online at:  salvationarmywpa.org/neighbors or by sending a check with “government shutdown” noted in the memo section of the check to:  The Salvation Army Western PA Division, PO Box 742, 700 N. Bell Ave., Carnegie, PA  15106.

Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865.  Today, it provides critical services in 129 countries worldwide.  The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services.  To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log on to www.wpa.salvationarmy.org  The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.