Updated: 10/10/2025 16:00:29
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international evangelical Christian movement founded in London in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth. Combining gospel ministry with practical social services, it operates in the United States through a hierarchical structure (national → territory → division → local corps) staffed by commissioned officers, enlisted members (soldiers) and large numbers of volunteers. Core programs include disaster response, shelter and food services, counseling and casework, youth and senior services, anti‑trafficking work, veterans and prison ministries and rehabilitation centers. Signature public efforts such as the Red Kettle campaign and SATruck goods collection help fund local and national services. The organization provides multiple giving channels and emphasizes serving ‘‘in His name without discrimination,’’ while maintaining advisory and accountability relationships with boards and nonprofit oversight organizations.
Core Programs and Services
Provides wide-ranging social services including emergency disaster response, homeless shelters, food programs, counseling and casework, youth programs, senior services, anti‑trafficking initiatives, veterans and prison ministries and adult rehabilitation centers. [1]
Disaster Response and Humanitarian Work
Maintains organized disaster-response capabilities and community recovery programs to provide urgent relief and long-term recovery support following natural and manmade disasters. [2]
Donating Goods and SATruck
Accepts donated goods through SATruck pickups and local donation centers; proceeds support local programs and thrift operations that fund services. [3]
Founding and Early History
Founded in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth as The Christian Mission in London, the movement adopted the name The Salvation Army in the late 19th century and expanded rapidly across Britain and internationally. [4]
Fundraising and Signature Campaigns
Funds services through public campaigns and donations; notable efforts include the long-running Red Kettle holiday campaign (originating in 1891) and multiple channels for giving (online donations, planned giving, gifts of stock, and local drives). [5]
Governance, Advisory Bodies and Accountability
Supported by advisory structures (including a National Advisory Board) and highlights accountability through relationships and listings with nonprofit oversight organizations (e.g., ECFA, Candid/GuideStar, BBB). [6]
How to Find Local Help
Local programs and services (shelter, food, counseling, youth programs) are searchable via the organization's Location Finder to connect people with nearby assistance. [7]
Impact and Scale
Operates in the United States as part of an international movement active in over 100 countries, serving millions annually through hundreds of local programs and specialized centers. [8]
Mission and Identity
An evangelical Christian social ministry, The Salvation Army combines spiritual outreach with practical assistance, articulating a commitment to meet human need without discrimination. [9]
Organizational Structure and Roles
Operates through national, territorial, divisional and local corps levels. Work is carried out by commissioned officers (who receive formal residential training), enlisted 'soldiers' (lay members) and volunteers who support service delivery. [10]
Volunteering and Community Engagement
Volunteers are described as 'the army behind The Army,' supporting operations such as Red Kettle ringing, service delivery and local program operations; volunteer opportunities are available nationwide. [11]
References:
Additional Sources:
12. ECFA Member Profile — The Salvation Army [https://www.ecfa.org/MemberProfile.aspx?ID=9377]
13. Location Finder — Find Local Salvation Army Services [https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/location-finder]
14. National Advisory Board — The Salvation Army (USA) [https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/national-advisory-board]
15. SATruck — Donate Household Goods [https://satruck.org/]
16. The Salvation Army — History, Mission, Services, and Impact [https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/about-us/our-history/]
17. The Salvation Army — Who We Are (Overview) [https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/about-us/who-we-are/]
18. Volunteer with The Salvation Army [https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/volunteer/]
19. Ways to Give — The Salvation Army [https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ways-to-give/]