Partners in Mission: Romania
Since opening its first corps in Bucharest in 1999, The Salvation Army in Romania has grown into a vibrant network of ministries serving children, families, vulnerable adults, and people experiencing homelessness across the country. Today, The Salvation Army has a corps presence in Bucharest, Ploiești, Craiova, Iași, and Bacău, as well as a ministry expression in Buzău.
At the heart of our ministry are welcoming corps communities where faith, fellowship, and practical service come together. On any given Saturday you will find children laughing and learning, teenagers practicing music, and young adults gathering for worship and friendship at the corps. Shared meals, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of belonging make each corps a place where people of all ages can experience hope, support, and the love of Christ.
One of the most significant areas of ministry is our work with children and their families. Through the SMART Social Centers in Ploiești and Iași, The Salvation Army helps prevent school abandonment and social exclusion by providing after-school support to vulnerable children. Every weekday, children receive a hot meal, homework assistance, educational support, and opportunities to participate in workshops and recreational activities. Social workers also work closely with parents, ensuring that support extends to the entire family. The long-term impact of this ministry can be seen in the lives of many young people who have grown up within these programs. Some former participants have become corps members and volunteers, helping to encourage and support the next generation.
The Salvation Army also seeks to meet the practical needs of those facing hardship. Three of our corps operate Shower & Laundry projects that provide hygiene facilities for vulnerable families and people experiencing homelessness. Visitors can shower, wash and dry their clothes, receive a hot meal, and, when available, collect groceries donated by local supermarkets. These projects offer not only practical assistance but also renewed dignity and hope.
In Bucharest, The Salvation Army operates EMAS (The Salvation Army Mobile Team), a unique outreach ministry serving people experiencing homelessness. For more than ten years, a dedicated team consisting of a social worker, a doctor, and a driver has travelled throughout the city three evenings each week, providing medical assistance, social support, clothing, sleeping bags, hot soup, coffee, and tea. More than meeting immediate needs, EMAS offers compassion, friendship, and human connection to those who are often overlooked.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, The Salvation Army has provided support to refugees and vulnerable families affected by the conflict. Through emergency assistance, financial aid, practical support, and community-based services, thousands of people have received help and encouragement while rebuilding their lives in Romania.
The ministry of The Salvation Army in Romania is strengthened through faithful international partnerships. We are especially grateful to our Partners in Mission from the USA Southern Territory, whose generous support helps sustain many of our projects and ministries. This partnership reminds us that we are part of a global Salvation Army family united in serving others and sharing the love of Christ.
As we reflect on God’s faithfulness, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who support the work in Romania. Through your generosity, lives are being transformed, communities are being strengthened, and hope continues to reach those who need it most. Together, we remain committed to serving with compassion, sharing the gospel, and bringing practical expressions of God’s love to those facing life’s greatest challenges.
