A CHARITY which supports the homeless, people on low incomes, and those recovering from addiction has warned that poverty ’will be the biggest fall-out’ from the coronavirus crisis.
The Salvation Army has launched its biggest appeal for food and other basic resources since the Second World War.
And it is calling for the Government to introduce Universal Credit grants, to replace the loans which are offered to new claimants to bridge the gap between putting in a claim and receiving benefit.
One million new people that have registered for Universal Credit since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic could be forced straight into debt, says the Salvation Army (SA).
The SA church and charity is supporting the growing numbers of people facing unemployment and debt, and is bolstering services such as its Lighthouses (hostels).
The Salvation Army’s Territorial Commander Anthony Cotterill said:
’Not only are we battling to restock foodbanks for people in need now, but we are preparing our services to cope with increased need in the many months to come.
’Once lockdown has ended, the need will still increase as people grapple with unemployment, debt, bereavement and homelessness.
’This is our biggest appeal for food and poverty relief in living memory. We can see the need now but also in the future.
’Poverty will be a lingering symptom of the coronavirus.’
The Coronavirus Impact Fund will support the short, medium and long term impact of the coronavirus pandemic on communities across the UK.
The Salvation Army has already transformed services to reach those hit the hardest by the coronavirus.
’Under lockdown rules, people can’t come to us, so we are going directly to as many as possible who need our help,’ said a spokesperson, ’whether it is medical advice for rough sleepers or delivering food parcels to hungry families, or online debt advice.’
You can donate to the Coronavirus Impact Fund via The Salvation Army website www.salvationarmy.org.uk or cheques should be addressed to The Salvation Army and sent to The Coronavirus Impact Fund, The Salvation Army, 101 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BN.