The Salvation Army USA

The Hibbing Salvation Army provides a "Food Pantry" (Food shelf) for those in need. In order to qualify, the recipient must attend budget classes, which are yearly, hour long classes. My year was up this month and I was unable to attend the night class. I don't drive at night unless absolutely necessary as the glare affects my ability to see. I telephoned the Food Pantry Coordinator, Nancy the day of the Night Class, Nov.19 2013, to see if they would allow for exceptions and was told "probably not", however she did say she'd consult with her boss and let me know. I've been utilizing this food pantry for years (10 years?) and recently (last 3 years) convinced my recently deceased father (who qualified) to apply. He was hesitant at first (that generations stubborn pride) but agreed. He was quite pleased with the monthly commodities and actually would get on my case when I didn't think it necessary to use the service some months. I have used the service less since his passing in April, however I still may find myself penalized and prohibited from doing so until the next class. Upon his passing I donated most of his food stuffs to the Hibbing Salvation Army and when living, my dad donated (2012) monies to the Salvation Army for a new van they now have. It boils down to driving 26 miles round trip in the dark to risk dying in a car accident vs. slowly starving to death.

Below is a list of heavy drug abusing criminals and addicted gamblers who'd otherwise have the financing for food, that abuse this service provided by the Hibbing Salvation Army... I'll be compiling that today, emailing it off to the Salvation Army and publicizing it on my page and timeline. I'm also considering a discrimination complaint with the MN Dept. of Human Rights.

Though my condition (night blindness) has not been diagnosed by a professional Optometrist, DMV records associated with the eye test can confirm my sight has been declining the last 8 years. Whether or not an exception in my case is considered ( they're suppose to call to let me know) The process is DISCRIMANATORY AND NEEDS TO BE AMMENDED TO INCLUDE BOTH DAY AND NIGHT CLASSES OR DONE AWAY WITH COMPLETELY! Some ppl don't have the gas money to even attend.

Drug testing and criminal back ground checks, which the State of Minnesota recently implemented to receive State aid, would eliminate the true abusers of this charitable service. If you have any Social Service or money fraud charges or illicit drugs in your system YOU'RE OUT!

As of today, I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM Nancy concerning the exception I requested on November 18th via my cell phone. Call records indicate was made at 9:21 AM and lasted 4 min., 5 sec. My DMV eye test the deterioration of my eyesight over the past 8 years. Still passing, but deteriorating. It's worse in the dark. I can prove that others fared better as those that requested the classes be held at night were successful at getting them (The Hibbing Salvation Army) to comply, should I need to file a discrimination claim with the MN Dept of Human Services whom I've contacted regarding a question if they investigate non-profits... They Do.

Based on the requirement to attend a night class to receive handouts renders this a HIGHLY DISCRIMINATORY non-profit organization aka A CHURCH! In order to qualify for charitable food donations you must first ATTEND NIGHT CLASSES on budgeting. If the Minnesota Agencies which require aid recipients pass a drug test, in order to receive services, then if a standard for qualification to receive a hand out must exist, it should be indicative of those truly in need! Not those who otherwise could afford food if not for the illegal purchase of drugs and wasteful gambling addictions! Below is a list I've compiled of those convicted drug felons and gamblers, known to the Hibbing Salvation Army, abusing the services of The Hibbing Salvation Army Food Pantry! THERE ARE MORE! Probably 50% of users!

Walter Fuenffinger
Cathy Skrbich
Kelly Biondich
Jim Monetti
Joe Monetti
Tony Monetti (Gambling)
Mike Houghton
David Lukenen
Curt Crawford
Earl Crawford
Jay Grammer
Steve Marks
Donald Mouseau
Kris Bonacci
Randy Garmaker
Kelly Garmaker
Sara Knapp
Shelby Kallio
Tami Dixon
Marissa Cullen

Drug tests start for Minn. felons on state aid November 20, 2013
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/11/20/news/drug-tests-felons-on-state-aid?refid=0

http://salvationarmynorth.org/community/hibbing/

[protected] Ask for Nancy
[protected]@usc.salvationarmy.org