Pottsville Seeing Needs Change
Envoy Brad Harris of The Salvation Army Pottsville Corps has seen a significant increase in need since the pandemic began. Requests for food assistance have doubled. Requests for rental assistance have more than doubled. Yet, he has also seen opportunity.
Envoy Brad explained how he and his wife, Envoy Gina Harris, officers at The Salvation Army, have been able to provide emotional and spiritual care during this uncertain time. “Folks have opened up during conversations, especially when we are doing curbside food distribution on Tuesdays. We’ve had opportunities to help them process everything they are going through. It’s been helpful to our volunteers, as well. We are able to talk with them and give them support in that way.”
Elwood Orndorff, a volunteer for over 10 years at The Salvation Army, enjoys working with Envoys Brad and Gina. “Since they came, they’ve been a breath of fresh air. They have been great. You can come to them with a little bit of a problem and they will sit and talk to you.”
Elwood describes his current role as a volunteer. “I’ve been packing boxes on Tuesday and Thursday for the food distribution. We try to get ahead of the game and have them ready. When we can, we pack them outside because it makes it easier to do.”
A recipient of the food boxes, Marie (name changed for privacy) lives with her teenage daughter and two young adult sons. “We have struggled a bit with finances and food lately. We are all out of work right now and collecting unemployment. They do the food distribution every Tuesday, and it is so helpful. It is so much food and such a blessing.”
Marie and her family are looking forward to Schuylkill County moving into the green phase. “I miss going to church. My kids are hoping the pool opens. I’ll hopefully be able to look for a job then. We are excited.”
Envoy Brad has contingency plans in place in case the county remains in the yellow phase. “If we don’t get into the green phase within a couple of weeks, we are making plans to have a drive-in worship service at our corps, where folks can pick up the audio on their radio when they drive in. We plan to start that on June 21st, which is Father’s Day.”
In looking to the future, Envoy Brad believes there will be a significant uptick in the need for rental and utility assistance. “Requests for rental assistance have more than doubled since the pandemic began, even with the slacking of pressure from landlords. We have been blessed with local folks giving us money to draw from to meet those requests.” Envoy Brad is concerned how things will look when the restrictions are lifted and landlords begin to require rent payment.
When asked how she is coping during the pandemic, Marie said, “I’m doing pretty good. I am a very spiritual person, so I believe God has my back. I am not really afraid. I am comfortable.” As the community begins the road to recovery, they can be assured The Salvation Army will walk with them every step of the way. The Salvation Army is praying for peace, comfort, and healing for all our communities during this very unsettling time. To give to The Salvation Army, please go to The Salvation Army Virtual Food Pantry.