Salvation Army working to meet needs in the community

The Salvation Army is probably best known for its work around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons, said Major Michael Bates with the Wrangell Salvation Army. However, they work year-round to serve the needy in communities across the country.

Even in Wrangell, there are those in need.

"I would like them to know, have a better understanding of the social needs of our community and what's being done about it," Bates said.

Housing is one of the categories the Salvation Army tries to offer assistance in.

Wrangell has a high cost of living, Bates said. For some people, it can be a real struggle to make ends meet. He said that the Salvation Army has programs in place to offer assistance to qualifying people with their rent and utility bills. They also have a program in place where they can help people as they're moving and offer emergency lodging to people, he added. If somebody moves to Wrangell and is fresh off the plane or ferry, but they do not have a place to stay their first night, they can stop by the Salvation Army for help. From the month of August 2018 to the current date, Bates said that they have helped 15 Wrangell families with housing needs. Their housing assistance programs run from July to June every year, Bates said, then shut down until the next funding cycle begins.

Food is another major need in the community.

The Salvation Army operates a food pantry, which is common knowledge amongst many Wrangell residents. What people may not realize, Bates said, is how much the pantry gets used. Last month, alone, 35 families used the weekly food pantry, plus an additional 25 individual walk-ins.

"They depend on this to help alleviate their budgets, because of financial strains," Bates said. "The cost of living in Wrangell is very high. It has a lot to do with utilities, it has a lot to do with a lot of things, but basically the cost of living is very difficult for people."

The food pantry is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday. Bates said that they also provide a monthly "food box" for families in need. The food pantry relies heavily on support from the community, which he said they have been very grateful to receive so far.

Beyond physical needs, the Salvation Army also tries to provide for peoples' social and spiritual needs. Bible studies are hosted every Wednesday at 6 p.m., according to information provided by Bates, and church services every Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, they host sewing classes, and also visit with Long Term Care residents in the afternoons. There are also bi-weekly native art beading classes, and quarterly painting classes. With Easter around the corner, Bates also wanted the public to know they will be hosting a Palm Sunday service on April 14. On April 19, there will be a shared service with the Presbyterian Church for Good Friday. On Easter Sunday itself, the Salvation Army will host a "sunrise service" at Centennial Park at 8 a.m. followed by a pancake breakfast with Harbor Light Assembly of God at 8:30 a.m.

Bates said that numerous businesses, religious organizations, and individuals all around town have donated time and money to help the Salvation Army.

"So we just want to say to others in our community that there's no better gift in life than helping other people who need help, there really isn't," Bates said. "Me and my wife, Jennifer, are grateful we're able to do that here. We're going on our fourth year here, but we feel like we're just getting started here. There's no better way to help people than, you know, helping them with the basic necessities of life."

The Salvation Army is located at 611 Zimovia Highway. For questions, or to volunteer, contact (907) 874-3753.