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Hope House

A capital campaign to address the urgent need for emergency shelter in Madison County.
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The Salvation Army is launching the Hope House Campaign to respond to the urgent and growing need for emergency shelter and long-term stability in Madison County. With your help, we will build a dedicated facility designed to offer not just a place to stay, but a true path forward.

The Vision

 Hope House will be a 48-bed emergency shelter, offering:

  • Safe, dignified housing for individuals, families and couples
  • Private rooms with essential amenities
  • Case management and trauma-informed support
  • Job training and life skills programming
  • A launching point to permanent housing

Your support will help fund:

  • $6.5 million for the new Hope House facility
  • $500,000 for essential upgrades to our current Corps and 360 Center
  • $3 million to establish strategic reserves and endowment for sustainability

Why Hope House?

In 2024, more than 500 people were turned away due to lack of shelter space. This project more than doubles our capacity and meets a critical community need. Hope House will transform lives and strengthen families in Madison County for generations to come.

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Paul's Story

We first met Paul when he entered our shelter program, carrying only what he had on him. From the beginning, it was clear Paul was seeking more than just shelter — he was looking for hope and a place to belong. While in the shelter program, Paul found employment and eventually secured his own apartment. He has even chosen to become a Senior Soldier -- a full member of our church -- and he lives now to serve others. One example shows his impact:  

A gentleman, who was a native Spanish speaker, came to church.
Paul was the first to greet him, and when he began speaking in Spanish, the man’s face lit up.
Paul invited him to sit together, and at that moment, a connection was made.
Paul didn’t just share his language—he shared his story. He told the man, “If I could make it through, so can you.”
Paul’s life is an example of the power of community and personal testimony.
Paul embodies a hope that changes lives.

Join us in Making this Vision a Reality

The need is urgent, and the time to act is now! The cost for the new Hope House is $10 million. We invite you to join us in this critical and transformative effort. To reach this goal, pledges and contributions made over a three-to-five-year period will be solicited. A variety of naming opportunities are available.

Make A Donation Today

There are multiple ways you can contribute to this important initiative. This is your opportunity to make a difference. 

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Mail a check to:
The Salvation Army of Madison County, 525 Alby St., Alton, IL 62002

Be sure to designate Hope House Campaign in the memo.

 3aed7b77-3aa1-4501-a653-0ca27d9a6368_2.png Include a gift in your estate plan to support Hope House:
There are many ways to include a planned (legacy/future) gift to support the shelter expansion. Specific language is required for this, and we’re happy to help. Contact Director of Gift and Estate Planning Jill Struemph at jill.struemph@usc.salvationarmy.org or (314) 646-3049 for more information. 
3769d847-35fa-42ec-8298-326ced10bb66_3.pngConsider stock assets, an IRA distribution, or donor-advised fund:
Contact Associate Executive Director of Development Andy Bundesen at andy.bundesen@usc.salvationarmy.org or (314) 646-3019 for assistance in stewarding your gift for the Hope House Capital Campaign and to discuss naming opportunities.		 d565d6e2-1d41-4448-95f0-44a339494993_4.png Pray for the success of this community campaign:
Please pray that we are able to provide this much-needed stability in Madison County.