The Salvation Army of Lufkin is planning to reopen their former Adult Day Center as a safe place of rest, comfort, and education, for those experiencing homelessness. This center, prior to the pandemic, provided daily care and social activities for seniors requiring extra assistance. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the senior program was forced to close due to the significant concerns regarding client safety. While the Day Center cannot be utilized for its original purpose at this time, The Salvation Army wishes to utilize the Day Center to meet community needs. The Salvation Army hopes to serve the growing homeless population by opening the Homeless Day Shelter and Resource Center with the goal for individuals to secure employment, housing, and ultimately become self-sufficient.
“The Salvation Army has been fortunate to serve Angelina County for almost 80 years. As the needs of the community have changed over time, our programs and services have adjusted to provide the best support,” said Captain Jenifer Phillips, of The Salvation Army in Lufkin. “When COVID-19 hit, we were disappointed to have to close the Adult Day Center as there was no way to follow CDC guidelines with day care participants returning home every day. Our priority was, and will always be, to keep our clients safe. We are looking forward to this new opportunity to serve the growing number of those experiencing homelessness right now.”
The Salvation Army has seen a heightened need due to the ongoing pandemic. Individuals and families have felt the impact through reduced hours, lost wages, and in some situations, loss of jobs. “People who have never requested assistance before have been put in the position of coming to The Salvation Army for help,” said Phillips.
Resources will include education classes, financial planning, as well as the provision of basic hygiene supplies, and food boxes. “We are committed to being here for those with nowhere else to turn,” said Phillips. “As always, community support is key to the success of our programs and we are thankful the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) are also joining us in this fight. The Salvation Army is always seeking help when it comes to serving our community. You can help through volunteering, giving financial donations, and offering prayerful support.
The Salvation Army delivers a wide range of services to individuals and families in need and this is only possible because of the generous support of the community. The most effective way to help is to make a financial donation at www.salvationarmytexas.org/Lufkin/, by calling (936) 634-5132, or mailing a check to 412 S. 3rd St. Financial donations give The Salvation Army the most flexibility to purchase items that are most needed while supporting local businesses at this challenging time.
For more information about the work of The Salvation Army in Angelina County, please contact Captains Cavon and Jenifer Phillips at (936) 634-5132 or visit them at 412 S. Third Street, Lufkin, Texas.
