Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!
Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!
Doing The Most to Fight Poverty
The Salvation Army's holistic programs help alleviate the symptoms of poverty
and address the root issues that cause it.
To keep our clients, staff, and volunteers safe, and in accordance with city and state guidelines, programs at The Salvation Army Blue Island (Crossgenerations) Corps Community Center are modified until further notice. Senior Lunch Program and food pantry are continuing, but only as drive-through services. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us at (708) 332-0100.
Click here to learn more about local and national Coronavirus (COVID-19) relief efforts.
46.7 million Americans live below the poverty line. 60 million more live one crisis away.
Sadly, children raised in poverty are 32% more likely to remain there, compared to their more fortunate peers.
"Without Salvation Army, I don't know where we'd be. They helped me find a job, clothing, food and somewhere to live."
The Salvation Army is committed to addressing the causes of poverty and helping families address the barriers to success.
The Salvation Army provides resources and support to overcome poverty in our community through:
Pathway of Hope
A comprehensive case management system, Pathway of Hope is designed to help families identify barriers to self-sufficiency (unemployment, insecure housing, lack of job skills, lack of childcare, etc.), Pathway of Hope also provides guidance on how to address these barriers and connects families with community support organizations, and more.
Homelessness Prevention & Emergency Assistance Programs
The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance to help with mortgage/rent, utility bills, clothing, medication bills, and other needs to keep families in their homes. The Salvation Army Crossgenerations Social Services department is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., by appointment only. For more information or to make an appointment, please call us at 708-332-0100. To receive assistance from The Salvation Army Crossgenerations Corps Community Center, you must live in our service area zip codes 60406, 60655, 60803, 60445, 60472, 60469, 60427 (Calumet Park only)** and have a verifiable economic or personal crisis. Documents needed for appointments are as follows:
- Picture ID
- Social Security cards for household
- Proof of income
- Rental lease or mortgage paperwork
- Bills & receipts of payments towards the bills
- Proof of any other assistance received
- Reports from Fire Dept, FEMA or Red Cross (if a victim of a fire or flood)
**For emergency assistance outside these areas, you may also contact a different Corps Community Center or Service Extension Units (partner organizations/agencies) by searching for the location nearest you.
Food Pantry
The Salvation Army Crossgenerations Food Pantry provides shelf-stable pantry items, bread, cereals, meat, and other household necessities, and is open Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The Pantry functions on a first come first served basis. However, all our clients receive the same kind and amount of goods every time. Individuals and families should bring ID, proof of address, paycheck stub, and documents to prove family dependent(s) on the first visit. We also ask that our clients visit once every 30 days to allow other people to benefit from this service as well.
Shield of Hope
The Shield of Hope is the nation's first Emergency Homeless Assessment and Response Center, which provides emergency shelter and helps families identify more stable living situations within two weeks. When families move, they are connected with community support services to navigate their futures better.
Evangeline Booth Lodge
The Evangeline Booth Lodge is an emergency shelter for families with children who suddenly become homeless due to eviction, disasters, domestic violence, stranded while traveling, or other crises. Booth Lodge can accommodate as many as 60 families each night.
Senior Apartments
Booth Manor Senior Residences, in Chicago's West Loop, provides attractive, low-income apartments and supportive services for seniors on fixed incomes.
How You and Your Family Can Help
Homelessness is an issue plaguing cities and neighborhoods across the country. Here are some ideas for how to talk with your children about homelessness, how you can help fight poverty, and what you can do to make an impact in your community.
