Since 1891, The Salvation Army has been working to provide sustainable solutions for the most vulnerable members of our communities. We are dedicated to serving the physical, mental and spiritual needs of the poor, the lonely, and the lost - staying not just until the job is done, but long afterwards, to ensure that the healing continues.

The Salvation Army is serving more people in the United States than ever before. We are already seeing large increases in the number of Americans seeking the basic necessities of life - food, shelter, and warmth. Approximately 30 million people received help from The Salvation Army last year.

Curing Hunger

"Hungry" is no way to spend childhood. Each night in the U.S., 17.4 million families go to bed hungry each night and an additional 6.9 million families face very low daily food security - that means they don't always know where their next meal is coming from.

The Salvation Army feeds an average of 156,000 every single day in the U.S. These meals are served to anyone in need - this includes homeless people of all ages, as well as individuals and families who may be down on their luck and in need of a helping hand. In addition to addressing the immediate symptoms of food insecurity, our programs are designed to help identify and treat its root cause. This approach focuses on meeting the physical, mental and spiritual needs of each person and helps move many from hungry to fully healed.

Food Pantries
By offering access to free, fresh produce and canned goods, we provide valuable meal supplementation while helping those in need maintain their independence and dignity.

Meal Programs
From sit-down meals that provide nutritious food and valuable human interaction, to mobile meals that deliver much-needed sustenance to those who cannot reach a food distribution center, we ensure that the most vulnerable members of society do not go hungry.

Combatting Addiction

"We give kids their parents back." Every day in America, over 6,500 people are hospitalized for substance abuse. That's 6,500 people - with moms, dads and kids - disrupted by the effects of addiction.Our free programs provide the tools to treat the symptoms - and the root causes - of alcohol and drug dependence.

The Salvation Army has more no-fee residential treatment facilities than any rehab program in America. For over 100 years, our Adult Rehabilitation Centers and Harbor Light Programs have offered spiritual, emotional and social assistance to those who have lost the ability to cope with their addictions and provide for themselves. The Salvation Army's free programs provide housing, food, counseling, community and employment as we work to treat the root causes and symptoms of prolonged alcohol and drug dependence. Each year, we help equip more than 150,000 people to overcome alcohol and drug dependence.

Combat Addiction
Through holistic work-therapy, group and individual counseling sessions, spiritual direction and life skills development, residents learn to abandon substance reliance.

Build Work and Social Skills
The physical and spiritual components of the program equip residents to provide for themselves and others as they set and maintain sustainable employment goals.

Regain Health and Stability
By developing a personal relationship with God as provided by Jesus Christ, many residents learn to depend on God for relief -- rather than turning to drugs or alcohol.

Restore Families
Many who have been rehabilitated are reunited with their families and are able to resume healthy daily routines. Kids get their parents back. People get their lives back.

Teaching Kids

Knowledge is a ticket out of poverty. By the end of 4th grade, low-income students are already two years behind grade level. By the time they reach the 12th grade, the same kids are four years behind. The Salvation Army has more than 400 after school programs in the United States.

Our first priority is to meet basic human needs, but we recognize the importance of programs that go beyond the basics of food, shelter, clothing and safety. In addition to meeting basic needs, The Salvation Army strives to provide programs that will help children thrive during crucial developmental years - from after school programs and summer camps, to childcare and toys at Christmas. The Salvation Army supplements and supports kids' educational opportunities through a variety of programs.

Homework Assistance and Counseling
At The Salvation Army, we provide one-on-one teaching assistance to help kids of all ages with school work, study guidance and literacy advancement. We open our doors to anyone in need and never discriminate based on gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic level.

Sports, Clubs and Extracurricular Activities
Through a variety of no-fee and low cost after-school programs, we provide safe ways for kids to make friends and participate in activities they couldn't otherwise afford.

Dance, Art and Music Programs
We work to provide music and arts programs that many schools can no longer afford. From choirs to instrument training, poetry to painting, drama to dance, after-school lessons and activities help introduce children to the beauties of the fine arts.