The Salvation Army shield is a universal symbol of help and hope. For people in serious need, The Salvation Army is a buffer between their lives and desperation. It’s the difference between feeling that you’ve run out of options and getting a second chance.
In Greater New York, many families are in constant economic jeopardy. All it takes is a missed paycheck or two, an illness or a spouse who leaves, and the family slides into homelessness, desperation and even possible dissolution.
Salvation Army Emergency Services programs are designed to help families and individuals become solid and stable. Through these services, thousands are kept off the street. Thousands of bruised spirits are healed. And thousands are brought from lives of despair to lives of dignity.
Corps officers and social workers employed by the corps are dedicated to the communities they serve and are constantly doing all they can to help; if they get specific walk-in requests, for items like coats or toiletries, they will try to meet these requests or refer clients to outside agencies that can help.
- 36 corps distribute grocery vouchers and food packages through food pantries
- 30 corps offer short-term financial help with rent and mortgage payments
- 32 corps offer help with utilities
For those whose situations have reached beyond the point of preventive solutions, The Salvation Army operates five homeless shelters and offers other support services, including:
- A veterans’ shelter
- A MICA shelter for men diagnosed as both mentally ill and chemically addicted
- A short-term homeless women’s assessment program, which helps connect women with appropriate long-term services
- Street Outreach teams that distribute meals to those who fear shelters and choose to live on the streets