Salvation Army claims record numbers of families in need, battles ‘homophia’ allegations
Officials with the Salvation Army say they’re seeing a record number of families asking for help this holiday season.
Nearly 18,000 families have registered for Christmas assistance in the last month. That number has grown by 2,500 since last year, breaking the 2009 record.
Salvation Army bell ringer photo Dwight Burdette (cropped)
Registered families will get free toys, money for food and other donated items at up to six Salvation Army locations as well as other partnered agencies.
Meanwhile, the Army is battling allegation of homophic behavior and a ban from the UC-Berkeley campus.
Matthew Enger, a student and gay rights activist, introduced the ASUC bill this week and brought forward evidence of the Salvation Army’s allegedly homophobic practices.
Enger presented reports of discrimination at shelters and food kitchens, as well as evidence of the Salvation Army lobbying to push federal funds away from LGBT antidiscrimination programs.
“Dan Savage, a prominent gay rights activist, has reported that Salvation Army homeless shelters and soup kitchens discriminate against gay families and couples by refusing to offer charity services to both partners at the same time,” wrote Enger in the bill.
Seattle publication The Stranger published an op-ed by Savage detailing further allegations.
