Overcome Poverty
The causes of poverty vary drastically. Through a holistic approach, we work daily to combat cycles of poverty.
Poverty Doesn't Have to be Permanent
Poverty has many faces and causes. These causes include economic conditions like short and long-term unemployment, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, food deserts, addiction, educational voids, financial literacy, various forms of abuse, and more.
These interconnected issues can continue year after year and generation after generation – until The Salvation Army steps in. We meet people where they are in life. Through programs that serve the body, mind, and soul, we combat the causes of poverty and help people build a pathway to where they want to be. This holistic approach helps create sustainable change in millions of lives every single day.
46.7 million people in America live below the poverty line. 60 million more are one crisis away from needing help.
Unfortunately, poverty hits children the hardest, drastically limiting their opportunities to learn and achieve at the same level as their peers. The Salvation Army helps to level the playing field for all.
The Salvation Army combats poverty with:
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Pathway of Hope for Families
Pathway of Hope is a holistic Salvation Army approach to create a path out of poverty. We provide targeted services to families with children under the age of 18, both traditional and non-traditional family structures, that desire to break the cycle of crisis. Through case management, we focus on a family's capabilities and raise hope by empowering them to overcome barriers on the path to self-sufficiency. Families set their own goals, and we partner with them to provide the resources needed to accomplish each one.
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Short and Long-term Housing
When life throws a curveball, you can still count on a warm bed to sleep in. If you've lost your home and need immediate help, you can stay at one of our facilities until you get back on your feet. In cities where we don't have facilities, we refer you to partner programs or, when possible, provide financial assistance to cover nightly housing costs. We also provide rent and utility assistance to to keep individuals and families from becoming homeless in the first place. In the U.S., The Salvation Army provides 10 million nights of housing per year.
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Meal Assistance
No one should ever have to make the difficult choice between eating a meal or paying a bill, but this is a reality for millions. While the task may seem daunting, The Salvation Army answers the call by serving over 225 million warm, nutritious meals in 2020.
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Rent and Utility Bill Assistance
As rental prices rise, people are forced to pay more than they reasonably should, causing many to live paycheck-to-paycheck. Across America, most new developments are high-end, making modestly-priced units and affordable housing increasingly rare. The Salvation Army is here to help people stay in their homes when they have nowhere else to turn. Our emergency rent and utility bill assistance programs throughout the U.S. keep the lights on and give peace of mind.
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Employment Assistance
We provide confidential, professional assistance to individuals looking for temporary and permanent employment through our community centers and partner organizations in the U.S.. Our goal is their goal - identifying skillsets, providing a supportive environment, and securing job leads.
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Clothing and Household Items
Clothing and household items can be a drain on an already tight budget. Our Salvation Army Stores sell these items at a reduced cost. In most locations, we can supply store vouchers to single adults, families or disaster survivors experiencing financial strain. To request a store voucher, schedule an appointment at your local Worship and Service Center.
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Transportation Assistance
An unexpected car accident, a costly repair, or not having enough money to put gas in the tank in order to get to work are real issues. The scenarios vary, but one constant is that The Salvation Army is there to help. We can provide bus cards and gas money. To request transportation assistance, schedule an appointment at your local Worship and Service Center.
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Medical Assistance
Nothing is more stressful during a medical emergency than the piling up of unpaid bills. Check with your local Worship and Service Center to see if funding is currently available for medical assistance. We may be able to help with insurance co-pays and prescription costs.
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Seasonal Services
We understand the winter months may be especially difficult as needs arise and finances are stretched. When growing kids require new snow boots, gloves, hats and coats, many Salvation Army locations have coats available for kids. Not to mention Christmas, which can be more stressful than joyful when the budget is tight. We may have a holiday program in your area to meet your family's needs.
Cycles of poverty can end. You can help.
Your gift supports families and individuals working to break free from poverty—through housing, meals, job training, and long-term guidance. Together, we can replace crisis with stability and create lasting change, one life at a time.