My complaint:
I am writing of concern for the widow of a veteran. She had been at the Bell Salvation Army since July 2020 at the heart of the COVID pandemic. After the loss of her husband, she moved to Los Angeles, then to Las Vegas to find employment. She returned to Los Angeles and found a job working at the Smith’s processing plant in Vernon, CA not too far from the shelter. Some people call it Farmer’s John still. She was renting a room. She was injured on the job when a fork lift carrying cargo bumped into her and she was left unable to work due to pain. The people at where she was renting asked her to leave because they were afraid she may contact COVID on her trips to see lawyers, doctor,s, therapists, etc. With the graces of god, she was admitted into the shelter at Bell. Still in pain needing therapy, and still on hold on her claim from Farmer’s John, they allowed her to make those trips when quarantine was frequent. She does not smoke, drink, nor do drugs, is very spiritual, and has that loving mother nature to help others.
She had several warnings about patronizing with the men there, and for sneaking in healthy food because the food there was not so terrible, but so well for the lifestyle of fruits and vegetables she was accustom to.
On April 24th she was kissed on the head by a shelter male who was so happy that his pass was found. She was reported and the next day she was taken to the Long Beach shelter.
This is not a complaint, but I understand the mission of the Salvation Army and what they did to her was not in the spirit of that mission. Please look out for her, let her finish her therapy, let her get her claim take its due course, and treat her with respect. She in one awesome woman. She brings joy to those that are sheltered with her and maybe some jealousy from those that are not so adjusted.
Suggested solution:
Provide outstanding case worker action, let her volunteer her personal services, she can cook, sew, create happiness.. She is 55 years old, a legal residence, with a limited command of the English language with ties to her grown children and a father in Mexico City. She chooses to live in the United States because it was her husband's wishes. He is buried at Miramar National Cemetery. Someday, everything will be settled, and in this slow down pandemic period, the mission of the Salvation Army would have been completed for her. And many others that are cared for by this god mighty organization.
