Programs and Services

Tragedy and crisis can come at a moment's notice. Families face tough social challenges, unemployment, abusive relationships, eviction, or disaster. Whether it means providing food for a meal, shelter to a burn-out victim, counseling in times of crisis, or funds to heat a family's home in the cold of winter, meeting basic needs goes hand in hand with The Salvation Army's mission. The Salvation Army is motivated by a love for God and a concern for the needs of all humanity. A trained, professional casework staff cares for those in need of assistance by sharing such aid as Rent and Mortgage Payment Assistance, Utility Payment Assistance, Food Pantry Assistance, Disaster Services, and our 'Lunch Bunch' Community Meal Program in the Niles/Buchanan of Southeast Berrien County area and all of Cass County.

An appointment is needed for Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance, and there is specific information which will be required when you make an appointment. Food Assistance is available between 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Mondays and Fridays, or 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and no appointment is needed, but there is specific information which is required (such as a valid Michigan picture ID or driver's license, passport, government issued ID, etc.).  

To make an appointment for assistance or for more information on the the food pantry or any of our other programs, please call our office between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday at (269) 684-2660.

Rent and Mortgage Assistance

The word "assistance" describes this office because we are in the business of fulfilling people's needs, of being helpful, of addressing the person before us.  The Salvation Army is known for generosity toward, and being present on the front lines with, the needy.  We get many phone calls and visits from newcomers to the community who depend upon our guidance-where to go for which need, how to approach a housing issue.

We have designed some guidelines and yet maintained some flexibility in how we do what we do.  The structure of our programming is set up that way because each situation is unique, and our partners in the community each have their own guidelines to consider.

Rent and Mortgage assistance is available for those persons facing a potential eviction or foreclosure.  The availability of assistance depends on the reliability of our own funding sources designated for this type of help.  A written or printed eviction or foreclosure notice or a past due notice will be needed.

To inquire about gaining assistance please call (269) 684-2660 to schedule an appointment with the case worker.  Due to the current health crisis,  interviews and appointments may be handled over the telephone.  At the time of your phone call, you will be instructed on what documentation is necessary prior to your scheduled appointment day and time.  Rent and Mortgage assistance is made available, depending on funding, and is available once over a twelve month period per household.

Utility Assistance

When a household is facing a shut off notice for a utility service, The Salvation Army endeavors to intercede and provide financial relief.

Our ability to offer such help is dependent on a number of factors, not the least of which is the availability of funding sources for this particular service.

Recipients of this outreach must reside in our service area, (Southeast Berrien County and all of Cass County), they must schedule an appointment to discuss the situation with a case worker, and households can receive utility help once in a 30 day period.

To inquire about assistance, please call (269) 684-2660.  At the time of your initial phone call you will be given instructions as to what documentation is necessary prior to the day and time of your appointment.  Due to the current health crisis, interviews may be conducted entirely over the phone.  

Each and every case is a unique story and thus we strive to provide a conscientious and caring audience to hear each person's circumstances.

Often we discover through discussions with folks, that there are additional needs that they have.  Many times The Salvation Army provides multiple services following an intake interview.

Regardless of whatever we do, it is always, done in the name of Jesus.

Food Assistance

Through the grace of God and the generosity of others in our community, we are able to offer grocery assistance to those in need.  Recipients receive approximately a week's worth of groceries, based on the number of persons in their household.  We are able to offer such assistance with at least 90 days between each visit as a general rule.

To receive assistance recipients must reside in our service area (Southeast Berrien County and all of Cass County and follow the below instructions:

Come to our offices at The Salvation Army between 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Mondays and Fridays, or 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  The Food Pantry is closed on Wednesdays.

Phone the office at (269) 684-2660 upon arrival.  You will need a valid, state issued picture id for the head of household (Michigan driver's license, passport, greencard, government issued ID, etc.)  and a Birth Certificate, Medicaid/Insurance  card, government issued ID, or last 4 numbers of a Social Security card, etc. You will also need to know the amount of income for everyone living in the household.

For more information, please call (269) 684-2660

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. We do not merely guide and direct you, we walk the path with you.  Learn more >