I am a volunteer social worker. I currently work for a nonprofit that helps find housing and resources for homeless clients. I hear multiple times per day about a range of issues at the Salvation Army in Amarillo, Texas. Things such as lack of food (they dont serve breakfast or get much to eat), not allowing ppl in when its snowing (I watched this multiple times and had to force them to let the clients in through our local police department), black mold in the building (photos were provided), monitors on "power trips" (even with me!) , and just last week I found out they had been without hot water for over 2 weeks đĄ! Upon calling the Salvation Army and leaving an URGENT message with "Lynn" for "Craig" in their office there was no returned call. A call back from the Major was also requested on multiple occasions but has yet to happen. Anyway, Within 30 minutes of my clients report about the hot water issues I had called the health department and the city. It was fixed within hours. My question remains this, Why did this Major allow the clients to suffer this long without hot water? The Major told the city he had just had it fixed. If this was the case why had he not called the person back. Why did this group allow the entire shelter to be without hot water for weeks and not make one call to correct the issue? Also, This particular shelter houses men, women, and children. Some of the men and women are there for drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation through the ARAD program. Being treated in this manner and not having appropriate basic things the clients need should be addressed immediately. This has shown to be key in clients recovery success rate.
These same clients can be seen ringing bells nationwide at Christamas to raise funds. Where are these funds going if not to repair hot water or feed clients adequately?
I have asked multiple times and shelter monitors and the secretary continue to be very ugly when confronted with the abuse of these clients.
Today,
I am asking you to sign this petition as a voice for our homeless friends, including the children, who have no voice of their own.
It's time to hold this shelter accountable for the way they treat their clients.
Thanks for your time,
April D.
