Overcome Poverty - The Salvation Army of Rockford & Winnebago County

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 than their more fortunate peers.

The Salvation Army is active in every zip code in America to feed, shelter, assist and lift up the poor.

Poverty is so often the result of - and the catalyst for - chronic struggles with hunger, addiction, housing insecurity, mental illness, educational voids and various forms of abuse. These interconnected struggles continue year after year, and often span generations. That's why The Salvation Army works to meet the needs of the whole person through short and long-term assistance - first alleviating the symptoms of poverty and then addressing the root issues that cause it.

Poverty doesn't have to be permanent. You can help.

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The Salvation Army helps overcome poverty in our community through:

Homelessness Prevention & Emergency Assistance Programs

The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance to help with utility bills, clothing, medication bills, and other needs in order to keep families in their homes. For more information, please call 815.972.1135. Or find a Service Extension Unit (partner organization/agency) near you.

Pathway of Hope

A comprehensive case management system 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.

Mobile Feeding & Homeless Outreach

The Salvation Army Friday Night Patrol provides food and hygiene products to those who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless in our community. Distributions are every Friday night at the Winnebago County Jail and the Crusader Clinic. To volunteer or drop off donations, please call 815.962.7207.

Food Pantry

The Salvation Army's food pantry at our Social Service Center serves the Rockford/Winnebago County area. Items provided include shelf-stable pantry foods, breads, cereals, meat, and other household necessities. For more information, visit our Social Services page or call 815.972.1135.

Meals at Shelters, Facilities and Other Programs

The Salvation Army provides nutritious meals and snacks for families and individuals in need. We provide dinner during Supper Club at 5 p.m. on Thursday evenings at our Rockford Temple Corps Community Center. Most after-school and camp programs also provide a healthy snack.

How You and Your Family Can Help the Homeless

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.

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followers to educate and inspire change.

Poverty impacts
the most vulnerable.

21% (15.5 million) of children under age 18 live in poverty.

10% (4.6 million) of seniors over age 65 live in poverty.

29% (4 million) of people with a disability live in poverty.

A donation to The Salvation Army provides safe, free shelter to someone living on the streets. Help those most in need.

Childhood poverty is an epidemic.

Among the 35 wealthiest countries in the world, the United States has the 2nd-highest child poverty rate. 1 out of every 5 children lives below the poverty line.

A donation to The Salvation Army feeds children in your community. Feed a child today.

Poverty is costly to society.

14.8% of Americans - and 21% of the nation's children - currently live in poverty.

Childhood poverty, alone, costs the United States $500 billion a year. (That's 4% of our nation's GDP.)

A donation to The Salvation Army helps keep families together and off the street. Break the cycle of poverty.

Give now. Change lives forever.

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