The more expensive home away from where the Majors and Commander live seem just wrong when you think about the need increasing for people to be helped and many of the people seeking help of the Salvation Army have lost their homes along with everything else, plus add in people usually able to donate are seeking help for themselves now, the Salvation Army is under attack for something that was probably a practice they had for many years when times were better.
Don't let this report take away from the rank and file workers of the Salvation Army doing this work.
Free housing deals for Salvation Army officers create image problem
Mitch Lipka
Jan 5th 2010 at 10:00AM
Probably at the bottom of the list of things the millions of donors to the Salvation Army expect of those running the charity's programs would be arrogance and a cushy lifestyle.
If you're one of those donors, the purchases of two homes in Massachusetts for Salvation Army officers and the comments by a resident of one might change that perspective.
The Salvation Army, a religious organization best known for helping the homeless and addicted, does not lavish great wealth upon its officers. But as part of its compensation package, it does provide them with housing.
A story by the Worcester (Mass.) Telegram & Gazette done in conjunction with Boston University's New England Center for Investigative Reporting showed the practice can create some serious image problems at a time when charities are battling over a shrunken pool of donations.
First, we'll start with Divisional Commander Major William Bode. He and his wife Major Joan Bode (Salvation Army officers share the same ranks as their wives, who also serve the organization) live in a $900,000 home in Needham, Mass. Nice.
Then there's Major Michael Copeland, who, by his own account, repeatedly pushed property limits set for him in the Worcester area until settling on a four bedroom, two and a half bath home in suburban Holden, Mass., for $350,000 (pictured above). When the basement and garage are added in, the home's 3,800 square feet exceeds the 3,000 square foot cap permitted by the Salvation Army's own rules.
read more here
Free housing deals for Salvation Army officers
I am anonymous because I am moderately affiliated with the salvation Army and do not want this relationship to end.
ReplyDeleteThat being said I think this is awful. I also think Mr. Bode is related to some high muckety muck and got a nice deal because of that relationship. I am also certain the Army owns a million dollar home in NY.
It is totally understandable that you would post under anonymous then. People like you, working to make the lives of others better, doing God's work, will end up having your motivations questioned because of a few higher ups in the Salvation Army. The actions of a few always call into question the rest.
ReplyDeleteThere are churches supplying houses for clergy but most will have modest budgets to supply them knowing whatever they spend is less money they have to give to the needy. With expensive homes being provided, especially in a time when so many people have lost their homes, people will think twice before donating what little they have to give. As it is, many people are having yard sales instead of donating clothing and household goods simply because of the economy and the financial needs they have. The people in control over the Salvation Army funds need to consider everything they do and what ramifications will come with their decisions.