Obviously, I was already of the opinion that the Salvation Army has no shame . . . and you’d think they’d stop with their unethical fundraising tactics, but no . . .
A friend of mine pointed out this article that came out on December 6th (note that date) in the Neighbors insert that the Madison Newspapers does:
Warming Shelter Needed for homeless families
The community has asked The Salvation Army to provide a warming shelter for Dane County’s homeless families who have no place to go. During the winter months it becomes too cold for families to live in their vehicles while on the waiting list for a room in a homeless shelter.“The Salvation Army does not have money in our budget to cover the cost of the warming shelter without sacrificing our other important services. I am asking the community to assist us in keeping these families safe and warm,” said Maj. Paul Moore, Dane County coordinator.”
The estimated cost to operate the warming shelter for five months is $30,000. The Salvation Army estimates 775 shelter nights will be used and 1,550 meals served over the next five months.
And the story goes on. What gave me pause was the fact that the City gave them $25,000 in this year’s budget for the warming shelter. That budget passed on November 16th. And the County gave them $20,000. The County’s budget also passed on November 16th. So they have $45,000 to run their $30,000 program and three weeks later they’re still asking the public for money?
I’m just disgusted, but not surprised. These types of fundraising tactics should be illegal. Maybe if they raise some extra money they could at least pay their bellringers a living wage instead of $6.50 per hour?
