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, some programs at The Salvation Army Freedom Center Campus / Harbor Light Corps Community Center are modified until further notice. Community meals are suspended until further notice. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us at (312) 667-2200.
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 helps families identify barriers to self-sufficiency (unemployment, insecure housing, lack of job skills, lack of childcare, etc.) and ways to address them by connecting with community support organizations and more. Call 312.667.2340 for more information.
Job Training
The Salvation Army offers job skills training and employment referrals for adults. At the Freedom Center, our Employment Services program helps Chicagoans prepare for and secure jobs.
Homelessness Prevention & Emergency Assistance Programs
The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance to help with mortgage/rent, utility bills, clothing, medication bills, and other needs in order to keep families in their homes. For more information or support: contact our Corps Community Center at 312-667-2350, find a location near you, or learn more online.
Food Pantry
The Salvation Army Freedom Center hosts food pantries for neighbors in the 60651 and 60624 zip codes. Families are invited to come shop our pantry for a grocery order once a month. We provide a nutritious variety of foods based on the choices of each family. Pantry Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (noon).
Meals at Shelters, Facilities & Other Programs
The Salvation Army provides nutritious meals each day for families staying at our shelters, in residential programs, and children enrolled in the Head Start/Early Head Start and camp programs. Most after-school programs also provide a healthy snack. Free kids meals are available Monday through Friday 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Mobile Feeding & Homeless Outreach
The Salvation Army Mobile Outreach team makes more than 25 stops every day to provide hot meals, case management, and mental health and substance abuse services to the homeless. We are ready to assist those interested in leaving the streets. Download the Mobile Unit's schedule.
Shield of Hope
The nation's first Emergency Homeless Assessment and Response Center to address the needs of families in crisis, the Shield of Hope can provide shelter for up to 75 people. The Salvation Army staff help families identify more stable living situations within 14 days. Upon their move, families are connected with community support services to better navigate their futures.
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.
