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Press Release

Contact:
Alice Hohl 614.437.2138
www.salvationarmycolumbus.org

Salvation Army announces unpaid furlough for employees, other cuts

At The Salvation Army, there is really no fat to cut. But the economic reality is that donations are not keeping up with increased demand. So the organization has announced its employees in Central Ohio must take nine unpaid days off throughout the year. This will ensure that service to residents in need will not be interrupted. Other measures -- such as cutting out most lunches and workshops that cost money – are also being taken.

The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing for those who require help with basic needs, such as food, housing and clothing.

With demand growing for those services growing, the agency has made a commitment to avoiding layoffs, which could impact service to those who come through their doors. Without layoffs, cutbacks in wages, local travel, training and even use of the copy machine are required.

Local leadership is following suit.

Majors Frank and Bonnie Kirk, who head the agency in Greater Columbus, have announced they will give the equivalent of nine days' pay back to The Salvation Army as a donation. Salvation Army leaders, made up of ordained ministers called Officers, already subsist on a modest living allowance.

"It's unfortunate that our employees have to absorb this hit, because they are all extremely dedicated to their work, and are already in a field where they are not being paid as much for their time and talents as they could earn elsewhere. It is a testament to the team spirit of our organization that employees were more relieved that everyone would keep their jobs than they were upset about the unpaid furlough," said Major Frank Kirk. "The state of The Salvation Army is sound, but we must take these steps to make sure our services are available when they are needed most."

The Salvation Army was chosen last month by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development...

... to administer federal housing funds for programs that address homelessness in Franklin County, as well as a larger grant to expand their current programs to 80 rural Ohio counties.

However, other basic needs programs, such as the four choice food pantries in Central Ohio, require a large amount of undesignated donations (or direct food donations). The demand for those programs has been increasing over the past two years as more families have trouble making ends meet.

To help, visit our donations and volunteering sections.