CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As the COVID-19 pandemic affects all aspects of normal life in Chicago and globally, the Salvation Army has launched an emotional and spiritual support hotline for people who want to talk.
The hotline connects callers to pastors and other emotional care personnel who provide a listening ear and can receive spiritual guidance and prayer support if they want. The hotline also helps the Army determine areas with additional needs and collect prayer requests, according to a press release.
People can call the hotline at (877) 740.8829 and staff are available 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. in English and Spanish.
Callers are encouraged to leave a message if they call off-hours and will get called back.
In addition to the new hotline, The Salvation Army is also providing feeding and social services programs. It is part of the City of Chicago's Feeding Task Force, working with partners to make sure city residents don't go without food. Food pantries with pre-packed food boxes to those in need are being distributed throughout the greater Chicagoland area, and the Army increased its mobile feeding units to lowe-income neighborhoods or those experiencing homelessness.
The Salvation Army is also offering long-term support to affected individuals as needed, helping them with funds to offset the cost of rent and utilities and lost wages or employment due to COVID-19.
Those in need of financial assistance and other support can call (773) 205.3520.
