Homelessness Services
The Salvation Army Center of Hope. Located two miles north of Uptown Charlotte, the Center of Hope sleeps an average of 275 women and children every night. An active member of the Homeless Services Network, The Salvation Army is a leader in providing families with a successful way out of homelessness. Each program is graduated to step clients from the point of crisis to the point of resolution. These programs include emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and shelter diversion.
There is no single portrait of homelessness. Sometimes families lose their homes because of money; women grab their children and run from abusive husbands; an illness strips a person of work; a layoff comes unannounced. In addition to basic needs, clients receive case management, intervention programs, health care, childcare for young children, and guidance for school-age children and teens. Shelters are only a temporary solution. Homeless families need help getting back on their feet.
Youth Services
The Salvation Army’s high-quality after-school programs serve children and youth of all ages. Our Youth Programs provide one-on-one assistance with homework and school assignments, as well as the teaching and advancement of literacy and study skills.
Healthy minds and healthy bodies are both crucial elements of youth development. Our no-fee or low-cost after-school programs offer children a chance to play sports, learn athletic skills, and cultivate healthy, safe relationships with friends through better social skills.
Christmas Assistance
Families across the Charlotte area struggling with the difficult decision to provide gifts for their children at Christmas or financially supporting their families with meeting basic needs are able to apply for Christmas assistance through The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program. Through the support of corporate and community partners and the help of thousands of volunteers The Salvation Army is able to serve over 2,500 families each Christmas season.
Emergency Disaster Services
The Salvation Army meets people where they are. In occurrences of natural or devastating disasters The Salvation Army comforts and supports first responders, and survivors offering food, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care in times of uncertainty. Volunteers support these efforts by coming alongside and being the hands and hearts of our mission to help others without discrimination.
- A Methodist minister began working with the poor in London, England's East Side. His work became "The Salvation Army" known in 118 countries today.
- The Salvation Army Red Kettle is an iconic part of Christmas in the United States. The tradition began in 1891 in San Francisco, California.
- The Salvation Army began serving people in Mecklenburg County in 1904. Eighty-three cents of every dollar donated goes directly to programs.