During the last 30 days, The Salvation Army in Durham has had to turn away more than 900 people seeking emergency assistance to stave off eviction, to keep power and water on, or simply to feed their family.

"In more than 30 years as a Salvation Army officer, I have never seen times like these," said Maj. Bruce Smith, Durham Corps officer. Of the households receiving services, the vast majority are first-time recipients of service - households where a layoff or other job disruption has forced them to seek help for the first time.

"It touches you to the heart when you get those calls ... when the caller starts out by saying, ‘I'm college educated and I've always had a good job. I never imagined I'd be asking The Salvation Army for help.'"

Maj. Smith is quick to note that the western Triangle has continued to be generous in its support of The Salvation Army's Emergency Social Services, but the unusual level of need is far outstripping current resources.

More than 900 callers were turned away between June 22 and July 20, requesting assistance valued at over $100,000. The 200 households served during the month were urged to solicit friends and families for a portion of the monies they needed, so these households were aided with just under $24,000 in funding.

The Salvation Army serves as part of Durham County's Continuum of Care, and receives "last resort" referrals of households facing evictions and utility shutoffs from the Department of Social Services, among other organizations.

To make a gift to The Salvation Army's Emergency Social Services, write:

The Salvation Army Emergency Fund
P.O. Box 1330
Durham, NC 27702-1330

To donate online, go to www.salvationarmydurham.org, click the DonateHere red kettle, and specify that your donation is for Durham Social Services in the "Specific Use" field that appears under the "Donation Amount."

Related Links

1. http://www.salvationarmydurham.org