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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

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We fight poverty with love Image

We fight poverty with love

By providing programs that serve the body, mind and soul, The Salvation Army helps alleviate the symptoms of poverty - and works to address the root issues that cause it.

We're Here to Help

Poverty is often the result of, and catalyst for, chronic struggles with hunger, addiction, housing insecurity, mental illness, unemployment, educational voids, and various forms of abuse. These interconnected issues continue year after year and generation after generation. That's why we work to meet the needs of the whole person through short- and long-term assistance.

Through programs that serve the body, mind and soul, we alleviate the symptoms of poverty, then work to address the root issues that cause it. This holistic approach helps create sustainable change in millions of lives, every single day.

The Salvation Army of Lake, Mecosta, Newaygo & Osceola Counties works together with community organizations and services to meet the material and spiritual needs of individuals and families. Our goal is to provide supportive assistance to people facing crisis situations. Services is given without regard to race, sex, age or religion.

Programs and Services

For the last 150 years, The Salvation Army has been serving those in need of emergency physical needs, then serving their spiritual needs. Here in Big Rapids we offer a range of Emergency Financial Assistance to meet people's physical needs, as well as programs to serve their spiritual needs. Please explore the services listed below to learn more about how we are "Doing the Most Good" in our communities.

 

Energy Assistance Program

The Energy Assistance program provides energy assistance to individuals and families in Mecosta, Osceola, Lake and Newaygo counties. The program is made possible through partnerships with People Care, Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and other area programs.  

Individuals and families seeking emergency assistance are seen by appointment at the Big Rapids Corps Community Center at 325 Linden Ave. Big Rapids and receive individualized support from a case worker. To make an appointment call 231.796.5597.

  • Appointment is Necessary
  • Valid State ID or Drivers License
  • Past Due or Shut-Off Notice (Metered Utility)
  • Proof of ALL Household Income

If you are applying for Propane Assistance, your tank must be at or below 25%.

 

Rent Assistance

If clients are in need of help paying their rent, they can apply for assistance through our social services staff. The client is required to provide proof of sufficient income and legitimate need. We process each assistance request on a case by case basis.

 

Pathway of Hope

The Salvation Army's Pathway of Hope initiative provides individualized services to families with children who desire to take action to break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability that repeats generation after generation. It seeks to address the root causes of poverty in addition to The Army's history of compassionate serving. By helping families overcome challenges like unemployment, unstable housing, and lack of education, we can lead families down a path toward increased stability and, ultimately, self-sufficiency.  Learn more >

Other Ways We Meet Needs