Local organizations are working hard to continue serving the needs of community members during a time when in-person contact is discouraged and resources are stretched.
That includes the Bradford Salvation Army and the YWCA Bradford, which provided a status update during the coronavirus mitigation period. Both organizations have food pantries, in addition to providing other services.
“The stories that we have been hearing are heartbreaking but common around the state and the country,” said Capt. David L. Means Jr., Corps commanding officer at the Bradford Salvation Army. “Individuals’ work hours reduced or eliminated, parents who are daily feeding more mouths, senior citizens who have quarantined themselves at home.
“And this isn’t just a Bradford issue but the many smaller communities that surround Bradford as well. We are doing our best to help those who are hurting during these troubling times,” said Means.
The Salvation Army is doing what it can to help while keeping safety measures in place.
“At this time the Bradford office is closed to prevent any further spread of the virus but we are still active in trying to meet people’s spiritual and physical needs,” he said.
The Salvation Army has moved its Sunday worship service and weekly bible study online, and they can be found at the organization’s Facebook Page: www.Facebook.com/tsaBradford
The Salvation Army has converted its office phone system into a hotline, where people can request food assistance. They have emergency food deliveries available for needy families.
“It is our desire to meet the needs of everyone who is hurting so we are not currently asking for any type of documentation,” Means noted. “We will follow up with all families after this outbreak is over.”
The Salvation Army will continue its monthly Senior Box program, organized in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank in Erie.
“We are going to distribute the boxes to pre-registered seniors at the beginning of April but it will be a curbside service so no one needs to get out of their vehicles,” Means explained. “If someone would like to inquire if they are eligible they will need to call our office at 814-368-7012, leave a message, and then someone will get back to them.”
The Salvation Army is monitoring voicemails and responding to individual’s needs as they come in.
At the YWCA, the food pantry is maintaining its regular hours from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
“The YWCA will continue the food pantry operations to feed those in need, as long as it is deemed safe and we have staff available,” said Erway.
She said they’ve received calls from new people asking if they can start getting food assistance at the YWCA.
“Thankfully, the simple answer is yes,” said Erway. “Our food distribution partner, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, is allowing us to be more lax with the process in order to ensure everyone has food during these uncertain times.”
Individuals who are new to the YWCA food pantry will need to provide a photo ID, but otherwise the paperwork process is more lenient right now.
“We expect to see an increased need during this COVID-19 crisis and we will distribute food to any family or individual in need,” she said.
They have made safety modifications to food distribution, using suggestions from Second Harvest and the Center for Disease Control. The building is closed to the public, and staff are meeting individuals outside to give them their food.
“We have a designated area where the line is to begin and signage encouraging people to follow the social distancing rule of six feet,” Erway explained. “Our staff have created a straightforward system, where they meet people outside with the necessary paperwork on clipboards, and communicate the household need back to the staff who are preparing the bags for distribution. We also have pop-up tents available to provide shelter if the weather becomes an issue.”
Despite the YWCA being closed to the public, all programs and services offered by the YWCA are continue, with safety adaptations recommended by the Center for Disease Control.
Erway said, “We are maintaining our current residency as is within the Homeless Shelter. However, no new households will be admitted to shelter at this time. Literally homeless households will be sheltered offsite, as available.”
Individuals needing assistance can call the Housing and Employment Services (HES) emergency phone line at 814-331-8280.
“Within our Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities Program (MHDDP), the staff are providing life sustaining services, such as medication management and necessary medical appointments,” said Erway. “All other services are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration staff availability, safety and need. Participants needing assistance are referred to the MHDDP emergency phone line at 814-331-6481.”
Victims’ Resource Center staff are providing all domestic violence and sexual assault services remotely. Call the 24-hour hotline at 888-822-6325 for assistance.
When asked if there is anything the YWCA needs from the community during this time, Erway said, “This is difficult for us, especially knowing how much everyone is struggling right now, and with the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring. We are accustomed to being the providers, and we are more concerned than ever for the well-being of those we serve, knowing the impact these stressful situations can have on domestic violence victims and our mental health participants.”
Since several in the community have asked the YWCA recently about their needs, Erway said, “We are deeply grateful for any monetary donations that people are seeking to provide.”
She noted, “Due to the recent changes made for maintaining a safe workplace and being closed to the public, we are unable to accept in-kind donations at this time.”
At this time, the Salvation Army is not receiving donations in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus.
“If we get to a point in which we are in need of supplies we will reach out to the community for help,” said Means.
