Several local service groups in Chatham-Kent are appealing for help from the public to make sure no one is left behind amid the concern surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
That includes the Salvation Army, the Outreach for Hunger food bank and the local chapter of the United Way.
The Salvation Army in Chatham-Kent is looking for donations.
It has posted a message on its Facebook page saying food bank shelves are running low. Captain Stephen Holland said they could really use the help.
"While you’re out loading up on essential items for your own home please consider picking up a few extra items for our food banks," he said. "We are running low on essential items such as canned vegetables, canned corn, diced tomatoes, pastas, Kraft dinner, pasta sauces, peanut butter, beans, etc."
Captain Holland said the Salvation Army is trying its best to continue providing assistance to the community during this time. Vulnerable people who need assistance can call Family Services at 519-354-1430 and book an appointment.
Holland added the food bank has seen an increase in people needing help but safety measures remain in place.
"We have put in place a plan to reduce the contact between people to not only protect our employees but also people who come in from the community," he said.
Captain Holland said the Salvation Army will make alternate plans if things escalate and people become confined to their homes and need food.
The food banks have also temporarily reduced their hours.
In Chatham it will only be open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9-12 and 1-4. In Wallaceburg it will be open on Monday and Wednesday from 9-12 and 1-4. In Ridgetown the food bank will only be open on Tuesday 9-12 and 1-4 and Wednesday morning 9-12. The food bank in Blenheim will be open on Wednesday from 1-4.
The Thrift Stores are all closed until further notice but staff remain on-site to take donations. The following have also been cancelled:
- Family & Youth Event Weekend - March 27-29th
- Indoor Vendor and Yard Sale -March 29th
- Fish Fry on Good Friday - April 10th
- Messy Church - March 24th, April 7th, 21st
- Sunday morning church services are cancelled until after April 30, 2020. This includes all Easter Services
The Chatham-Kent Salvation Army served 4,258 people in 2018 and had 487 new clients that year.
Outreach for Hunger will be shut down until further notice to ensure the safety of its clients, staff, and volunteers. Outreach for Hunger the closure is only temporary to formulate a safe way of distributing food to those in need.
"Thank you for understanding the safety of our families and our volunteers is our first concern," said executive director Brenda Leclair. "We are working on finding a solution to serving in the safest way.
Leclair said work is underway to get product out to soup kitchens that are preparing sandwiches at this time. She added the board is keeping an eye on the situation and will re-evaluate as it moves forward.
Outreach for Hunger had 2,654 visits in 2018 and had 283 new clients during that time.
The United Way of Chatham-Kent has also come together with public health, several municipal departments, social services agencies, and community groups to ensure continued support for those most in need in our community. Grassroots groups have formed, neighbours are helping neighbours, and volunteers are stepping up.
United Way of Chatham-Kent CEO, Steve Pratt, said everyone has an important role to play and is asking for community support.
“We know many people in Chatham-Kent cannot afford to prepare, and do not have a support system around them if they contract COVID-19 or need to self-isolate,” said Pratt. “We are already experiencing how quickly the situation is evolving; we need to ensure that the most vulnerable are supported. We know firsthand that when we all work together, we can make a difference."
The United Way and its partners have identified the following needs, while anticipating they will continue to grow:
- Help for seniors-- ensure that while vulnerable people are isolated, they are also supported
- Basic needs-- ensure people have access to life's essentials, such as food
- Capacity for community services-- ensure that community partners can continue to do their vital local work
- Mental health support– ensure people know where and how to access help through supporting system navigation services, like 2-1-1
- Support for volunteers-- there are amazing people rallying to support others -- they need our help too.
United Way has launched CKgives.ca to help coordinate efforts and raise emergency funds for those most vulnerable. The site will provide information and help connect those wanting to volunteer with the front-line agencies and community groups looking for volunteers, as well as allow for people to make a donation to support those most in need.