As state and city officials, as well as medical facilities, throughout the region respond to the COVID-19 crisis with testing and vaccinations, many have asked for help from The Salvation Army. As with any crisis impacting our neighborhoods, we were quick to offer our assistance.
“We are always happy to offer our resources, manpower, and infrastructure to serve our communities, especially in the face of this global pandemic,” said Major Enrique Azuaje, General Secretary for The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division.
Here’s a current list of the ways The Salvation Army is assisting with COVID-19 testing and vaccinations:
Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) – The City of Chicago has engaged The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division’s EDS to provide snacks and hydration for volunteers at eight COVID-19 vaccination sites, including Wilbur Wright College, Harold Washington Library, Malcolm X College, Arturo Velasquez Institute, Richard J. Daley College, Olive-Harvey College, Kennedy-King College, and Harry S. Truman College.
EDS staff are also providing three daily meals for Team Rubicon volunteers assisting with testing and vaccination efforts. Additionally, the Illinois State Police have requested a pallet of water for their operations at McCormick Place.
Freedom Center’s Mobile Feeding and Homeless Outreach Unit – The Salvation Army vans that provide meals daily to homeless individuals and under-resourced neighborhoods throughout Chicago have worked in partnership with the City of Chicago to provide COVID-19 testing at homeless encampments. Mobile Outreach staff have also distributed PPE and information about COVID-19 to homeless individuals on CTA trains and at homeless encampments.
Kroc Center Chicago – Located in the West Pullman neighborhood, the Kroc Center Chicago has hosted two dates of COVID-19 testing provided by Northshore Clinical Labs, with additional dates on the calendar. So far, 94 individuals have received a free COVID test at this location. Call the Kroc Center at 773.995.0151 for information on future testing dates.
Red Shield Center – The parking lot of the Red Shield Center, located in the Englewood neighborhood, is serving as a drive-through COVID-19 testing site in partnership with Northshore Clinical Labs on pre-selected dates. Call the Red Shield Center at 773.358.3200 for information on future testing dates.
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