Our History in Southern California

Our History in Southern California

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has been feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and changing the lives of countless men, women, and children in Southern California. The Salvation Army's presence in Southern California dates back to 1887 when an open-air street meeting was held on the corner of Temple and Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. To this day, a plaque remains in the sidewalk to commemorate the event.

Prior to this meeting, a church, or Corps as it is known in The Salvation Army, had been established in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles Street. In 1892, the Corps moved to First Street where The Salvation Army occupied almost the entire block with a hotel for transient men and a men's industrial complex, the forerunner of today's Adult Rehabilitation Centers. In 1899, The Salvation Army opened a rescue home for young, expectant mothers in Los Angeles known as Booth Memorial Center.

The Army's work expanded quickly in Los Angeles with the opening of other Corps and facilities for social welfare programs. One example is The Salvation Army Los Angeles Day Care Center, which opened in 1920 for mothers working to assist the war effort. Even today, L.A. Day Care serves approximately 250 children of parents employed in the downtown Los Angeles garment and produce districts. Other programs in the city assist families living with HIV/AIDS, men and women working to overcome addictions, disabled veterans, evacuees from disasters, senior citizens trying to live on a fixed income, and children who need a safe place to go after school.

Another notable date in the history of the Southern California Division is January 1, 1920, when the Los Angeles Band marched in the Tournament of Roses parade for the very first time. This tradition commenced due to the efforts of Mr. Harry Chandler, the publisher of the Los Angeles Times, and member of The Salvation Army's Advisory Board.

The Southern California Division continues to celebrate its long and fruitful presence all over the Southland, by serving those most in need, and by hosting special events that share The Salvation Army’s rich history with the local community.

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