NEWS RELEASE
“The Salvation Army is an effective organization because of
its strong partnership with donors and volunteers. The basis for this
partnership is rooted in confidence and trust.
As a result, we as an organization consistently evaluate the need for
new social service programs and to review those programs which have been
on-going, said Rich Elrod, advisory board chairman, Salvation Army – Fox Cities. “In one instance, we saw the need for a
quality faith-based children’s learning center, and as a result the Army
established one at our Worship & Community Center in Menasha,” added Rich
Elrod. “Other instances may require us
to close a program based on current trends or circumstances.”
“In 2004, we provided 5,562 nights of shelter for 473 single
men, a significant demand. However, in 2005 and still in 2006, the demand at
our shelter, due to many factors, has been reduced to a point (33 percent
capacity) where one shelter now has sufficient bed space (supply) to meet the
current demand,” said Patrick Leigl, social services director, Salvation Army-
Fox Cities. “Closing a shelter due to
reduced demand is a positive statement for our community.”
“This does not affect our housing programs such as Project
Home and our scattered site housing programs which still have strong demand,”
said Leigl. “Individuals and families who
are homeless, or otherwise at-risk will still have access to the Army’s
homeless prevention programs for assistance, as well being able to receive the
needed referrals and help from other local agencies.”
Through the collaborative efforts of The Salvation Army –
"It is wonderful when communities can evolve and change
such that services are continually improving - not being eliminated. This is an example of positive change for the
homeless, not a loss in any regard. Working together, we have created a system
to serve and shelter the few homeless persons in our community who cannot
physically stay at the Emergency Shelter but need the services of a homeless
shelter system. By working together, we
have been able to create an effective service strategy that helps the homeless
access the many agencies in our community that will help them
lead more stable and productive lives. Working
as we have in the past years has created this wonderful opportunity for
consolidation of one service sector and new opportunity for enhancements in
other areas of our housing continuum," said Debra Cronmiller, executive
director, Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley.
"In order to fulfill the great commission to go into
all the world and preach the Good News it is essential that Christians work
closely together and with NGOs (non-governmental agencies), governments,
organizations and people of other faiths who also share the same purpose of
helping needy mankind," said Major Joe Tamayo, corps officer for the local
Salvation Army. "This should be
approached in a spirit of true partnership, mutual appreciation and open
collaboration, sharing the risks and rewards. Christian principles of honesty
and integrity need to be maintained while at the same time using each other’s
strengths for the benefit of those being helped."
"To best serve the homeless, we must be able to
evaluate their needs and respond. This
is precisely what The Salvation Army - Fox Cities and the Emergency Shelter are doing. Knowing
that our combined efforts to serve the homeless and those at risk are working
effectively, we can embark on changes that will enhance the service continuum
and actually better and more efficiently use this community's resources to
serve those in need," said Debra Cronmiller, executive director, Emergency
Shelter of the Fox Valley.
"Year's ago, there definitely existed a need for more
shelter beds in our community. Today,
our efforts to collaborate have paid tremendous dividends. Not only are we
serving fewer homeless persons each year as a result of these efforts, but we
are working together to strategically address the emerging needs of the
homeless we serve. Just 10 years ago,
the Fox Cities did not even have a Continuum of Care in housing. Today, we have
an extremely well functioning continuum that nurtures partnerships and efficiency. It is the partnership between the Salvation
Army and Emergency Shelter that has helped to diminished the need for an
overflow shelter system," said Debra Cronmiller.
The Salvation Army has been monitoring the declining number
of individuals staying at their men’s shelter and came to the conclusion that
those in need could be better served in a more cost-effective manner, The local Salvation Army’s annual operation
budget in the 2005 – 2006 fiscal year was a little over $2.612 million
dollars. Of that amount $1.924 million
came from public support through donations.
Approximately $176,000 in the current fiscal year was earmarked for the operation
of the Army’s homeless shelter for men.
"Stewardship requires that we use all of our resources
in a manner which ensures the well-being of present and future generations. The
Salvation Army strives for two things: To keep the overhead low, ensuring that
your money supports change in the community and transparent spending, ensuring
that you, the donor, can see where the money is going," said Major Joe
Tamayo. "This adjustment and change
in our delivery of service to the adult male homeless population will allow us
to assist those in need in a cost-effective manner."
The Salvation Army- Fox Cities helped 1,640 families this
past Christmas, it offers a food bank which distributes on average 20 tons of
food each month, serves over 60,000 meals each year from its daily lunch
program and helps in emergencies when possible.
Donations can be mailed to The Salvation Army -
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For the editor: The Salvation Army, an evangelical
part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in
His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive
assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of
social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for
disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill,
clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged
children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services
in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. The Salvation Army - Fox Cities has
been located in
Media Note: Copies of
the Salvation Army’s 2005 Annual Report
are available on-line at: www.foxcities.org.