The Salvation Army USA provides resources for many groups of people, however, in this article, we will discuss only the resources directed toward individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Salvation Army is an international movement focused on "doing the most good". It has pursued its mission, to meet human needs without discrimination, since 1865. Through this, The Salvation Army serves approximately 25 million Americans annually and is active in 133 countries across the globe.
In regards to aiding homeless populations, The Salvation Army provides housing, rehabilitation services, and food resources. There are 4 main factors in its housing resources: homeless shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and re-entry resources. The homeless shelters are for those who need a warm, safe place to stay in an emergency, or when they have nowhere else to go. The Salvation Army has shelters across the country, and in larger cities where there may not be a shelter, they provide financial assistance to those in need.
Transitional housing is provided through housing programs, targeting all parts of the homeless population (temporarily displaced individuals, people experiencing chronic homelessness, young adults aged out of the foster care system, etc.). The Salvation Army partners with different shelters and coalitions to create new housing programs, such as its newest program in Lakeside, Arizona.
The Salvation Army's permanent supportive housing is for anyone in need. There are thousands of local branches, such as its Booth Manor Senior Housing. In almost all of its housing programs, The Salvation Army provides re-entry resources, such as educational support, counseling, and vocational services.
Moving on to rehabilitation services, The Salvation Army has more no-fee rehabilitation facilities than any other program in America. These facilities help over 150,000 people a year combat addiction through holistic work therapy and counseling. They also provide resources to build work & social skills and regain help & stability. All of these components allow people to get over their addictions and even restore families that may have been broken due to drug addiction.
Finally, The Salvation Army provides food to food pantries across the globe. It also has meal programs that provide nutritious hot meals and valuable human interaction to those who may not be able to reach a food pantry or to those staying in a shelter.
To learn more about The Salvation Army, click here.