SPOKANE, WA- This week could bring some of the coldest temperatures of the season, posing a dangerous threat to the most vulnerable members of our community.
“The Salvation Army is here to help. During times like this, this is our sweet spot. We want to make sure that we are filling gaps in our community that are real needs,” said Captain David Cain.
The Salvation Army of Spokane is stepping up its efforts to ensure everyone stays warm and safe. The organization’s street-level outreach van patrols the city, locating individuals camping outdoors and transporting them to shelters. Volunteers assemble care packages containing blankets, hand warmers, and food, which are distributed to those in need.
“It changes their whole attitude. They’re like, ‘Oh, thank you. We really appreciate that. No one’s stopped. No one has given us anything. No one has even talked to us,’” said Roy Garcia, a driver for the Salvation Army’s outreach team.
Despite these efforts, Garcia faces challenges multiple times a week when all local shelter beds are full. In such cases, he opens the van to provide people a moment to warm up, offers them a care package, and reluctantly sends them back out into the cold.
As temperatures drop, the Salvation Army remains committed to its mission of supporting the community’s most vulnerable, ensuring no one is left out in the cold.
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