Vikings and Salvation Army Unite Against Homelessness 

Last summer, The Salvation Army in Minnesota partnered with The Minnesota Vikings for the fourth annual “Down for the Challenge” event, a fundraiser to fight against homelessness. 

“The Salvation Army stood in the gap for me and my family when we were growing up, and they are doing it today for tens of thousands of Minnesotans,” said Cris Carter, Vikings all-time leading receiver and Hall of Fame inductee. “We want to make sure that all Minnesotans have a chance at a better life.”

More than 120 people raised enough money to participate in the main event: rappelling down the 14-story OMNI Viking Lakes Hotel. Captain Josh Polanco and Major Fred Mead were among those who went down the building.

“We are grateful for the Vikings, the OMNI Hotel, the Viking legends and all of our rappelling fundraisers for helping to make our event a success,” said Lt. Colonel Randall Polsley, divisional commander of the Northern Division. “This effort will be instrumental in transforming the lives of those battling housing insecurity in our community.”

A gross total of $313,000 in financial gifts and sponsorships, and approximately $210,000 in in-kind donations from partners and sponsors, was raised during the event.

• 22,000 evictions were filed last year, a 31% increase from pre-pandemic averages.¹
• 63,000 Minnesota households are behind on rent.²
• As many as 20,000 people experience homelessness every night in Minnesota.³ 
• 7.5 million Minnesotans visited a food shelf last year—twice the number from two years ago, when the pandemic was at its peak.

¹ EvictionLab.org, May 1, 2024;  ²  Wilder Research study;  ³ PolicyLink, National Equity Atlas, February 2024

International Prayer Focus

This month, we are praying for:

• Pakistan Territory (January 6–12)
• Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory (January 13–19)
• Congo (Brazzaville) Territory (January 20–26)
• USA Central Territory (January 27–February 2)

Divine Brushstrokes

This past fall, The Salvation Army in Grand Rapids, MI, took part in the popular ArtPrize event and hosted five artists. Their works, inspired by faith and spirituality were, on display at The Salvation Army Fulton Heights Citadel/Community Center. 

“For centuries, artists have been using their talents to glorify God and inspire more faith in people,” said Grand Valley Area Commander Major Tim Meyer. “Art is a gift—a spiritual gift and we are so excited to be a part of ArtPrize this year.” 

One of the displays consisted of two art pieces that explore the meaning of The Salvation Army’s motto, “Doing the Most Good.” Entitled, “The Ultimate Good” and “Helping Hand,” the two works represent doing good works and depict the value and power of serving others.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.                                                    

Ephesians 2:10