The Salvation Army of Livingston County Launches $250,000 Challenge Match

The Salvation Army of Livingston County invites the community to double its impact through a generous $250,000 challenge match as the nonprofit social services organization enters the public phase of its Pathway to Dignity Capital Campaign. 

Thanks to an anonymous donor, every gift made to the campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $250,000, helping The Salvation Army reach its remaining fundraising goal of $500,000.  

The Pathway of Dignity Capital Campaign is part of a multi-million-dollar project to relocate The Salvation Army of Livingston County from its current location into a newly renovated corps community center designed to meet the growing needs of the community. The public phase of the campaign seeks to raise the final $500,000 needed to complete the renovations at the new facility located at 2464 Dorr Rd in Howell, which is expected to open in fall 2026. 

"This challenge match is an incredible opportunity for our community to make twice the impact," said Capt. Robert Leach, corps officer for The Salvation Army of Livingston County. "Every donation brings us one step closer to creating a welcoming space where individuals and families can find hope, practical resources and opportunities to build a brighter future. Together, we can ensure this vision becomes a reality for generations to come." 

Relocating to a new building will allow The Salvation Army to serve more individuals and families, providing the resources, support and opportunities needed for a stable, independent future through existing programs including: 

• Basic needs assistance, including eviction prevention, utility assistance, emergency lodging and community resource referrals
• Food assistance
• Clothing assistance, including coats and winter accessories
• Holiday assistance programs, including Thanksgiving and Christmas support
• Pathway of Hope, a case management program that helps families with children break the cycle of poverty through individualized goal setting and long-term support 

In addition to expanding current services, the new location will allow The Salvation Army to introduce several new programs and resources, including:

• A computer lab for education, job searches, résumé development, medical information and applications for state and local assistance
• Community education classes covering budgeting, parenting, healthy eating, résumé writing, senior fitness and other life skills
• Warming and cooling shelter services during extreme weather
• Emergency disaster response capabilities through the Livingston County Disaster Network
• Expanded collaboration space for nonprofit and community partners
• Men's Ministries programming focused on mentorship, fellowship and spiritual support
• On-site event space to host community and fundraising events 

 
The facility will also feature a larger food pantry capable of storing and distributing fresh foods, private offices that provide dignity and confidentiality for client meetings, classrooms, computer labs, kitchen facilities, a chapel, multipurpose rooms, expanded storage and ample parking. 

Once completed, the facility is expected to increase the number of individuals served annually from approximately 2,500 to approximately 4,000. The nonprofit also anticipates expanding housing assistance to an additional 25 to 30 households each year, increasing grocery assistance to more than 1,000 households annually while improving access to fresh and nutritious food, as well as serving more than 500 individuals through enhanced social service programs. 

"This campaign is about far more than relocating to a new building—it's about investing in people and strengthening the future of Livingston County," said David Yancho, chair of The Salvation Army of Livingston County Advisory Board. "Every dollar donated during this challenge match will help create a place where families can find stability, children can thrive and individuals facing difficult circumstances can access the support they need to move forward. We invite our community to join us in making this vision a reality." 

The Pathway to Dignity Capital Campaign has already received generous support from Armor Protective Packaging, Bank of Ann Arbor, Lake Trust Credit Union and Valor Volunteers of Armor. 

Community members who wish to have their gift matched and help complete the campaign are encouraged to donate today. Every dollar contributed will be doubled, up to $250,000, helping The Salvation Army expand critical services and create new opportunities for thousands of Livingston County residents for years to come. 

To make a contribution to the Pathway to Dignity Campaign, please contact Nicole Moor at 517-295-4342 or donate online.