The LGBTQ Community and The Salvation Army
All people who come to us for services are offered assistance according to their need and our capacity to help
Because LGBTQ Americans living in poverty often experience unacceptable homophobia and transphobia, many become homeless.
A majority of homeless LGBTQ people end up on the streets before they turn 18, and one in four is homeless before turning 16.
The Salvation Army is committed to serving the LGBTQ community through
Shelter
Almost one-third of transgender people have been rejected from an emergency shelter. The Salvation Army created a dorm in Las Vegas to offer safety and shelter to this group, which is statistically more vulnerable to assault.
Job Training
Despite progress toward hiring equality, LGBTQ Americans often lack access to educational resources, counseling services, and vocational training to help them obtain well-paying jobs. Our unique programs help individuals cultivate vital life skills needed for successful and stable careers.
Help with Substance Abuse
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, LGBTQ adults are more likely than their straight counterparts to abuse substances. The Salvation Army recognizes the need for all people, regardless of income, to have access to rehabilitation programs. Our LGBTQ-friendly programs provide housing, food, counseling, community, and employment as we work to treat the symptoms, and ultimately the root causes, of prolonged alcohol and drug dependence.
Food Insecurity
More than a quarter of LGBTQ Americans are food insecure and rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As one of the nation's largest providers of social services, we understand the importance of helping people maintain their dignity when looking for nutritious food by providing options.
Teenage Suicide
LGBTQ youth contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of heterosexual youth. With a presence in every zip code in the nation, we're committed to providing spiritual and emotional care to those in need regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Spread the Word
Turn your passion into action. Share these facts with your friends and
followers to educate and inspire change.
Helping those in need is the heart of our mission.
We're motivated by the love of God to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
We embrace people regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Our hiring practices are open to all, and we provide the same benefits to opposite-sex and same-sex couples.
The Salvation Army Embraces All People
Videos
- Lost Vegas - The Salvation Army Provides Hope without Discrimination
- The Salvation Army Embraces All Employees without Discrimination
- The Salvation Army Serves Without Discrimination
- The Salvation Army Serves All People
Articles
- A Place to Call Home
- Salvation Army Insists It's on Our Side - Really
- Transgender homeless finding more options in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
- Columbus Dispatch article on The Salvation Army and the LGBT Community
- In the Spirit: Gay Man Recalls Kindness Shown by Salvation Army (Wisconsin State Journal)
- Setting the record straight on the Salvation Army (San Diego Gay & Lesbian News)
- The Salvation Army's Response to Australian Radio Interview
Questions & Answers:
The LGBT Community & The Salvation Army
Does The Salvation Army serve the LGBTQ Community?
Yes. Any person who walks through our doors will receive assistance based on their need and our capacity to help. Our mission is to the preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in His name without discrimination.
Does The Salvation Army provide shelter to transgender people?
Yes. When a transgender person seeks help from us, we serve them in the same manner as any other person seeking assistance. Too often, LGBTQ Americans experience unacceptable homophobia or transphobia when seeking shelter. The Salvation Army seeks to be a welcome, safe place for all men, women, and children.
Does The Salvation Army consider the sexual orientation or gender identity of an applicant in its hiring practices?
No. We embrace talented people regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Our hiring practices are open to all.
Does The Salvation Army provide benefits to the spouses of employees in same-sex marriages?
Yes. We provide the same benefits to opposite-sex and same-sex couples.
