Doing the Most Good for Neighbors in Need
In times of uncertainty, The Salvation Army stands strong to provide help and hope to those who need it most.
to Equip Students
Every child deserves a childhood. The Salvation Army gives children a safe haven to complete homework, play sports, learn music, gain new skills, and nurture their talents. The programs also provide mentorship and scouting.
Many youth who participate in these programs may not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
for Disaster Response
We combat natural disasters with acts of God. Drought, wildfires, flash-flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and blizzards create a sense of helplessness, fear and uncertainty. With supporters like you, The Salvation Army provides immediate assistance to survivors and first responders in our community and across the globe.
Learn MoreWith more people facing hardship and poverty,
you can provide help and hope to the most vulnerable.
The best way to ensure that services continue is to enlist in Love's Army with a sustaining, monthly gift.
Donate NowMake a one-time donation instead.
The Salvation Army is Doing the Most Good
by providing help & hope in our neighborhood.
The pandemic has changed our lives. Even as our communities pivot to our "new normal", financial and emotional challenges remain,
especially for those who were already struggling. Millions of Americans have slipped into poverty as a result of the pandemic.
As a leader in the fight against poverty, The Salvation Army is keenly aware of our responsibilities to bring help and hope to those who are most vulnerable.
To help keep neighbors in need in their homes, we offer long-term support to families and individuals, including emergency assistance with mortgage/rent, utility bills, clothing, medication, and other needs for workers who have lost wages or employment due to COVID-19 closures and cancellations.
Pathway of Hope is a comprehensive case management system to help families identify barriers to self-sufficiency (unemployment, insecure housing, lack of job skills, lack of childcare, etc). We also provide guidance on how to address these barriers, connect families with community support organizations, and more.
When individuals are released from prison, they often have no job prospects, no housing, and no family or community support structure. It can take many months for them to successfully make the transition back into society. Our Pathway Forward program provides them with a structured, gradual re-entry process in a safe and secure environment, as well as an alternative to living on the street and returning to a life of crime.
The Salvation Army offers job skills training and employment referrals for adults. This program is included in the substance rehabilitation program, and through some Salvation Army community centers. Despite progress toward hiring equality, marginalized groups often lack access to educational resources, counseling services, and vocational training to help them obtain well-paying jobs.
59% of people seeking food assistance choose between buying food and paying rent or mortgage. With CDC guidelines and best practices in mind, our food pantries and other free meal programs remain open. The Salvation Army has food pantries throughout the Chicagoland area and partners with several food banks. Food boxes may include shelf-stable pantry items, breads, cereals, meat and other household necessities. Senior and community meals are available in to-go boxes or food delivery as necessary.
About 15 percent of the homeless population is comprised of "chronically homeless" individuals. And last year, more than 8 million Americans slid into poverty due to COVID-19. With a presence in nearly every zip code, we're helping neighbors who are most in need to regain their footing and find hope again. Our homeless diversion programs and shelters provide safe housing, food, spiritual support, substance abuse treatment, medical care, and other practical assistance needed.
Our Mobile Feeding and Outreach teams make more than 25 stops every day to provide hot meals, case management, and mental health and substance abuse services to those living on the streets of Chicago. We are ready to assist those interested in leaving the streets. Those we reach get more than a hearty meal, beverage and snack; they make a friend. They haven’t been forgotten; they are cared about and loved.
The Salvation Army partners with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities to provide assistance with simple tasks such as cooking, grocery shopping and other homemaker services. We can also help determine if you qualify for Meals on Wheels. Call the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities at 312.746.5773 or (TTY) 773.744.7833 for a referral.
We offer a Partner Abuse Intervention Program for adults who have perpetrated physical, verbal or social abuse on their partners. The program helps individuals identify their abusive patterns, become accountable for the behavior, and learn how to interact with their partners in non-abusive ways. The program is open to those who must receive court-mandated treatment, as well as those looking to stop the behaviors before the police and court system get involved. Call 773.960.3292 for more information.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide young children and their families a chance to learn in an educational and creative environment. Programs also meet the needs of teen parents, and low-income or homeless families.
Sports, recreation and fitness programs help people of all ages and backgrounds learn the value of health, physical activity and teamwork. Recreation and sports programs are available at most Salvation Army community centers.
Day Camps, Vacation Bible School, and Wonderland Camp provide options for youth, teens and seniors who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities. Most Salvation Army community centers host day camp during school breaks and in the summer.
The Salvation Army community centers provide after-school programming to give youth and teens a safe place to complete homework, learn new skills and relax with their friends. Scout-style and mentoring programs are designed to support youth and teens as they navigate their world and grow into adulthood.
The Salvation Army is the largest music educator in the world, with offerings in brass, vocal, guitar, drums and more. It is important to provide additional creative outlets for youth, teens and adults to share their experiences, hopes, dreams and fears. Creative programs are available at most Salvation Army community centers.
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) dispatches mobile kitchens and outreach teams to disasters to provide food, beverages and snacks to survivors and first responders in the immediate aftermath of a disaster or crisis.
From fires to tornadoes, from rallies to airport drills, The Salvation Army EDS aids first responders. Within hours of a disaster or major events, we provide food, beverages and spiritual support to our heroes who are doing the most important work.
As communities start to recover, The Salvation Army coordinates with local, state and/or national entities. We help survivors navigate disaster social services to address essential needs, medical expenses, insurance processes, and more.
Join us in Doing the Most Good in the community around you.
The Salvation Army is on the frontline of the war against poverty every day.
It is the dedication of donors, volunteers, board members, and partners, who make our work possible.
You and other generous friends in Love's Army are the people who bring hope to every meal served, every gift given, and every prayer offered.
Your donations stay in the community in which they are received to help us serve those most in need.
Give Monthly Give OnceTurn your passion into action. Amplify your impact by creating your own peer-to-peer fundraiser to support The Salvation Army in your community.
Start FundraisingVolunteer to help those in need, while following all CDC guidelines and safety procedures to keep you and your loved ones healthy. Your time and talents are our treasure!
Volunteer OpportunitiesCorporate partnerships include financial gift or event sponsorship, and can provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for employees to make an impact in your community.
Create a PartnershipYour donations to Salvation Army family stores help fund rehabilitation programs that heal addictions, change lives and restore families.
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We want you to feel confident that we are making the best use of the resources you've given to The Salvation Army.
We pride ourselves on minimizing costs to maintain a high-percentage of donations that directly flow into programs—83 cents per dollar.
We hope that our actions speak even louder than these words: every gift is precious to us.
Annual ReportThe Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division EIN is 36-2167910. The Salvation Army is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of the U.S. law.