Many Americans are familiar with The Salvation Army's thrift stores which fund our well-known drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. And our iconic red kettles have become a symbol of the Christmas season and the spirit of giving. But in hundreds of communities across the Western United States, The Salvation Army also operates programs and services which are designed to meet human needs in Christ's name, alleviate human suffering, and promote wholeness by addressing the spiritual, social, emotional, psychological and physical well-being of those served.

The Salvation Army's social service programs vary slightly with local and regional needs. For instance, there are programs and services for homeless people, victims of domestic violence, at-risk kids, and so much more.

Providing Shelter

About 15% of the homeless population in the U.S. is comprised of 'chronically homeless' individuals. Each year, The Salvation Army provides over 10 million nights of shelter to those in need. As long as there's The Salvation Army, there's no such thing as 'no place to go.' Our doors are always open.

Our group homes, emergency shelters and transitional living centers provide housing, food and overnight lodging for varying amounts of time to destitute families, the homeless, the displaced and to youth where family care is undesirable or unavailable. In addition, we supplement every shelter service with emotional and spiritual support. The Salvation Army provides safe shelter to nearly 30,000 people every night through a variety of programs.

Emergency Shelters
For families and individuals looking to escape extreme weather or just wanting a safe, quiet place to spend the night, emergency shelters provide a nutritious meal, a warm bed and a clean shower to those in need.

Group Homes and Transitional Living Centers
Along with meeting immediate physical needs such as food and shelter, these establishments provide educational, counseling and vocational services to help individuals develop vital life skills and independence for re-entry into society.

Family Service Programs
The Salvation Army assists families in need by providing food, housing and utility assistance. Best of all, these programs enable parents to stay with their children, even when placed in emergency shelters.

Loving Seniors

No one should ever grow old alone. Dementia affects one in seven people over the age of 71 and recent studies show that consistent human contact and interaction can reduce dementia and depression. Every year, older adults are welcomed with open arms at Salvation Army Corps Community Centers around the country.

Rather than simply allowing these wonderful men and women - who are so often the most vulnerable members of our communities - to fend for themselves against loneliness and depression, we organize community meals, offer joyful activities, visit the homebound and even provide affordable residential facilities for seniors. The Salvation Army showers senior citizens with love and serves them with respect.

Community
Every Salvation Army Corps Community Center reaches out to the senior citizens in their community differently to meet their specific needs. Through localized programs, older adults can gather together to share interests, develop new skills and enjoy the company of their peers.

Activities
Engaging the minds and bodies of seniors helps keep them feeling young, active and happy. At The Salvation Army, they can enjoy educational classes, kindle friendships over lunch, relive their youth with dances, take pre-retirement seminars and countless other activities.

Residences
The Salvation Army operates several residential facilities for older adults, providing not only living quarters, but also an atmosphere of love, acceptance and encouragement.

Adult Day Care Centers
Mental and physical disabilities can take a toll on older adults, as well as their spouses and providers. Knowing this, The Salvation Army provides adult day care programs where those who are unable to take care of themselves can enjoy activities and friendships, while their providers are given the opportunity to take care of other life matters for a few hours.

Serving In Times Of Disaster

Drought, wildfire, flash-flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and blizzards are the greatest threats to our country. Insured losses due to natural disasters total about $15 billion in the U.S. each year. Disasters of incredible magnitude call for people of incredible generosity, but the toll on a community can stretch far beyond the monetary and property losses

Many people - including disaster victims - desire spiritual care during times of duress. 59% of disaster victims preferred to receive support from a clergy or religious counselor. While every disaster is unique, the core of our disaster program consists of several basic services. And while these services address many of the typical needs of a disaster survivor, Salvation Army disaster relief is also flexible. Our services are adapted to the specific needs of individuals and communities, and are scalable according to the magnitude of the disaster. We give rest to the weary and combat natural disasters with acts of God.

The Salvation Army helps meet the needs of disaster survivors through a variety of programs.

Emergency Preparedness
As one of the nation's major emergency relief organizations, The Salvation Army recognizes the critical importance of being prepared for natural and manmade disasters. Therefore, we take steps to ensure our own ability to respond quickly and efficiently to a disaster, while also working to educate other disaster professionals and the public at large about how to prepare for and respond to emergency situations.

Immediate Emergency Response
Emergency response services are activated on short notice according to an agreed-upon notification procedure coordinated with federal, state and local governments. Typically, Salvation Army personnel and resources will congregate at predetermined staging areas, entering the impacted area only once government first-responders have indicated that it is safe and constructive to do so. These immediate response activities include food and hydration services, shelter, cleanup and emergency communication assistance to put victims in touch with their loved ones.

Long-Term Disaster Recovery
Depending on the magnitude of the disaster, The Salvation Army may continue providing immediate response services, such as emergency shelter and food service, well into the recovery process. Additionally, The Salvation Army will often coordinate with local, state and federal entities to develop and execute long-term strategic disaster recovery plans. These activities include restoration and rebuilding initiatives, disaster social services (to address essential living needs, medical expenses or funeral costs) and in-kind donation distribution to disaster victims.

Spiritual and Emotional Care
Throughout the duration and aftermath of a major disaster, The Salvation Army provides spiritual comfort and emotional support upon request to victims and emergency workers coping with the stress of a catastrophe. Salvation Army counselors, who are often ordained as clergy (officers), may simply offer a "ministry of presence," but often people who know about The Salvation Army as representatives of God may ask for prayer or help from the Bible. Disaster relief and recovery services are provided to all in need without discrimination.