Salvation Army of the Tri-Cities Witnesses Surge in Families Needing Assistance

In the Tri-Cities area, the Salvation Army is reporting a remarkable increase in families struggling to make ends meet. The need for critical necessities like food, utility assistance, and housing support has reached an unprecedented peak.

Escalating Costs of Basic Essentials

Leaders of the organization attribute the financial difficulties faced by these households to the skyrocketing costs of basic essentials, especially food. In response to this critical situation, the nonprofit, with branches in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, is now turning to the local community, calling for safeguarding vulnerable families and restoring hope.

Major Brooks Gilliam, head of the Bristol site, urged for donations, stating, “Even a small donation can make a big difference. A grocery voucher can fill empty cupboards, a gift of $50 or $100 can keep families’ utilities on, and our rental assistance truly can prevent a family from losing their home.”

Difficult Choices for Families

Aside from the festive Easter season, numerous families in the area are grappling with tough choices. According to Captain Aaron Abram, the corps officer in Kingsport, these decisions involve weighing food against utilities or rent against indispensable medical expenditures. “These are our neighbors, our friends, and our fellow residents, and they need our help now more than ever,” Abram stressed.

The triumvirate of rising prices, static wages, and fluctuating energy costs is contributing to a “perfect storm” of fiscal hardship that’s sweeping countless families in its wake. Notably, many families are seeking help for the very first time in the Tri-Cities region.

The Impact of Salvation Army’s Assistance in the Region

During the previous year, The Salvation Army in the Tri-Cities served more than 150,000 meals, provided over 54,000 nights of shelter, and distributed more than 4,600 food boxes. In a bid to extend their reach, officials are calling for more volunteers and financial aid.

How to Help

People who wish to contribute can provide financial donations, which are urgently needed for purchasing food, covering utility bills, and offering rental assistance. The public can also volunteer their time in activities such as food sorting, meal preparation, and awareness campaigns. The Salvation Army also encourages the organization of food drives to collect non-perishable items. For more information on how to offer help, visit www.SalvationArmyTriCities.org.