BRYAN, Texas — The Salvation Army has established a place that anyone affected by COVID-19 can call for emotional and spiritual support. The Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) Hotline is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (CST), seven days a week at (844) 458-HOPE (4673). A team of ESC specialists, made up of Salvation Army Officers and trained employees, are available to help callers.
The specific goal of the hotline is to offer assistance to people who are overcome with worry or undue stress caused by the pandemic. Callers will find people ready to listen to their concerns and pray with them.
“Our goal is to give people an opportunity to connect with someone who will hear their story and concerns," said Captain Paul Ryerson, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army Bryan/College Station. “We hope to offer a calming presence in the midst of circumstances none of us has ever experienced before.”
The hotline, which started taking calls Friday, March 27, received a number of calls its first weekend including a mother dealing with the additional stress of two weeks of homeschooling her children for the first time, another individual seeking advice and prayer while facing the potential loss of their home, and a young man coping with the reality of being furloughed from his job. All callers expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to speak with someone and receive prayer. If needed, callers will be referred to additional helpful resources when possible.
Immediate physical needs in the community such as provision of food, rent, and utility assistance also will continue to be addressed by the local Salvation Army in Bryan-College Station during this crisis.
“The Salvation Army is here to help during this time of heightened need, said Ryerson. “We understand physical needs are just one aspect of this. We also want people to know we are here, trained and ready, to pray with and encourage them throughout this crisis.”
To contribute to The Salvation Army’s ongoing efforts in your community, please visit give.salvationarmybcs.org, call 979-361-0618 or mail a check to 2506 Cavitt Ave., Bryan, TX 77801.
