MORE THAN BELL RINGERS
Salvation Army combats homelessness
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Most people take for granted they can jump start their day with things like an invigorating warm, brisk shower, and clean clothes to put on to enter the world outside and the workplace with.
Many Saratogians are not that fortunate.
The Salvation Army Drop-In Center located at 27 Woodlawn Ave. is just that — an army tasked with fighting the war against poverty, homelessness, and the host of resultant fallout that occurs to those impacted from these challenges on a daily basis, 365 days a year.
The non-profit that runs a drop-in center on Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m. provides patrons with access to hot, nutritious meals, coffee, access to shower facilities, a free clothing pantry, a laundry service, personal care items, and even snacks to-go for throughout their day.
Program Director Erin Beaury shares the numbers availing themselves of shower facilities.
“We serve anywhere from 20 to 50 people on a daily basis. Numbers fluctuate depending on the season, but the need remains consistent; need knows no season.” said Erin Beaury, Program Director.
This program is a muchneeded addition to services provided by the agency. Many people come to get a fresh start before heading out to their places of employment. However, with only one shower, the wait for the fresh start could be more than two hours.
The Alfred Z. Solomon Foundation and the Saratoga County Citizens Community For Mental Health (SCCCMH) stepped up
with grants to fund the construction of a second shower, which was completed earlier this year.
Lt. Bree Barker, Co-Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army expressed her gratitude.
“The second shower has been crucial to our operations. There are more opportunities for showers and people don’t have to wait nearly as long. Folks are so much happier. It has even increased dignity among some of our patrons.”
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The following conversation with Barker details the services the Salvation Army Drop-In Center provides, as well as a wish list for items most needed there to assist clients as they move toward self sufficiency, recovery, and employment.
Lt. Barker, exactly how many facilities are there out there for homeless people to come in and take care of fundamental basic human needs, such as attending to personal hygiene, showering, and grooming?
“Other than the YMCA which requires a membership, they do scholarships, we’re the only place in town offering showers. Other than Shelters of Saratoga that do two days a week as a drop in center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we are the only place that’s five days a week. We’re a free place to come to anyone who wants to come in.” ••• The Salvation Army Drop in center is clean and neat but in need of supplies and support for the ongoing work they do. Saratoga Springs is known to be a caring community. As well as contributions and donations, what items could you use ?
“Some of our biggest needs are actually hooded sweatshirts; the nights are getting cooler. The hood provides additional warmth. Personal care items such as washcloths, towels, razors, deodorant, shaving cream, soap, shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes-the same things you would use on a daily basis to keep yourself clean and tidy.”
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These are things that food stamps don’t cover, if people even have them. If it’s a taxable item, food stamps does not cover it. Things like toilet paper, paper towels, and pet food, to get down to basics. You do laundry here.
“Laundry detergent is needed. We have high efficiency machines that were donated, so we also try to be energy efficient.”
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I imagine blankets, and socks are on that wish list? It’s almost October.
“Anything to keep warm. Jeans are really good; they’re durable, hardy and can be used in layers. Both for men and women. We keep some clothes for children but mostly we have clothes for adults. Clothes suitable for presenting yourself at a job would be welcome.”
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I hesitate to say “camping equipment: but for some this is a matter of surviving on the streets. Would flashlights be welcome?
“Wet wipes are important to people; if they can’t get in for a shower, they can keep clean over the weekends.
“A lot of people are going to jobs. One gentleman said to me “I can’t let my employer know that I’m homeless because it might create a stigma.” So in order to be accepted on the job like anyone else, he needs to stay clean shaven and neat.”
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With no explanations needed. “Exactly.”
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We are a culture that judges by external standards, which says nothing about a person’s ability to do a job, so this is important. What about shoes, winter hats, gloves, boots? “All very much needed.”
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Let’s address the ground rules for coming here. This is not a residence, so people don’t sleep here.
“We ask that people refrain from profanity and from bringing alcohol or cigarettes into the facility. We don’t require that you provide your name; you can be anonymous. Some give an alias because they’re not sure who they can trust.
“We just want people to come and not feel they have to meet some sort of mold. You don’t have to be classified as homeless to come and have breakfast with us. If your water gets shut off and you just need a place to shower, or have a hot meal, come.
“There are many things that put people on the brink of a crisis. We’re here to help manage that. We have case management services so for those who want to move into stable housing or need help with bills.”
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This is a faith-based organization. Many are greatly comforted in that and it plays a role in their moving forward. I believe you have church services here for those who would like to attend, is that correct?
“Yes; people can attend a service, and there is always someone to pray with you. If you want a Bible or an encouraging word, we can provide that. No one is required to pray, say grace or confess a faith; we are here to help everyone, but we do think it’s a great step toward centering yourself or rehabilitation, or moving toward hope for the next step.
“We find a large portion of those we serve suffer from a mental health concerns, some haven’t been seen by a doctor in a long time.”
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How did the people who donated so much get involved?
“We reached out to a couple of organizations that do grants thinking this could be a great collaboration. The first was the Saratoga Citizens Committee For Mental Health (SCCCMH); they know who we’re here for and together we can make a difference.
“We can’t thank both the Solomon Foundation and SCCCMH enough,” said Lt. Barker, “the addition of the shower for the men has helped tremendously.”
“Recently, when the shower was finished, a man named Isaac who has been coming to the program for about a year, came up to me and said ““I love the new shower! I can get in and out and ready for work so much more quickly.”
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Anyone interested in donating to or assisting the Salvation Army can contact Barker by phone at (518) 584-1640 / (845) 263-7192, by email at bree.Barker@use.salvationarmy.org, or by message on Facebook.