The Salvation Army helps make families whole.

The Poverty Epidemic

Among the world's 35 wealthiest countries, the United States has the second-highest child poverty rate. And children who live their lives in poverty are 32 times more likely to remain in poverty. This means the epidemic is passed down from one generation to the next, over and over again. The cost to families who are trapped in the cycle of poverty is staggering. Luckily, The Salvation Army created the Pathway of Hope Program to come alongside these families and carve a pathway out of poverty.

How we help equip families

Pathway of Hope is a Salvation Army approach to create a path out of poverty. We provide targeted case management services to families with children under the age of 18 who desire to break the cycle of crisis. Through case management, we focus on a family’s capabilities and raise hope by empowering them to overcome barriers on the path to stability. Families set their own goals, and we partner with them to provide the resources needed to accomplish each one.

Breaking the cycle of crisis

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope initiative marks a pivotal shift from treating the symptoms of poverty to preventing the epidemic at its root. By helping families overcome barriers like unemployment, unstable housing, and lack of education, we can break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability, leading families down a path toward increased stability – a Pathway of Hope that will profoundly affect generations to come.

Get help through the program

This program is available at every Salvation Army service center in Minnesota and North Dakota. There are no income requirements to join the program. Each family is assigned a case manager who partners with them to set and accomplish goals. When you join the program, you’ll receive personalized support that fits your needs. Every goal that’s accomplished moves your family one step closer to a brighter future. Fill out a program interest form to be contacted about receiving help.

Seasonal Assistance

We offer seasonal programs to help with specialized needs throughout the year such as tax preparation (see below), winter coats, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and holiday toys for children.

VITA Tax Assistance for Low-Income Households

The Salvation Army of Rochester, MN, serves as a partner and service location for the VITA Tax Assistance program in the Spring of each year. Tax appointments have been modified to an over-the-phone/drop-off method for the protection of both households needing assistance, and the volunteers that make the program possible. Anyone needing assistance must schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-543-7709. Tax forms are available in both English and Spanish. Anyone unable to ask questions about their tax forms in English is encouraged to bring an interpreter. There are also no-cost options for filing your taxes online at myfreetaxes.com if you are comfortable using a computer.