Emergency assistance

Helping people desperately in need

Emergency assistance includes supporting -

• People who are homeless
• Families in need
• Unemployed
• People suffering illness
• Those with benefit delays

When someone in crisis comes to us wanting assistance, we take an interest in that person and get to the heart of their problem to find a long-term solution. The ongoing nature of our work is key to breaking the cycle of dependence.

The services provided by each centre are tailored to the needs of their local community.

We often work in partnership with other voluntary organisations and offer Food Parcel Vouchers, yet some of our centres operate their own food banks. As we witness an unprecedented demand for emergency food, The Salvation Army has a holistic approach to dealing with this national issue.

When somebody comes to a church or community centre, they are invited to sit down, and talk through the reasons for their food poverty, whilst we determine what the best way to help is. This may be in the form of budgeting and debt advice, making people aware of the welfare they can access or equipping them with the skills they need to find employment.

We would rather offer an individual a hand up – the support and resources needed to help themselves – than a handout, which keeps them dependent on support and is unsustainable.

Your nearest church or centre might provide:

• Clothes
• Lunch clubs
• Food parcels
• Showers
• Homeless drop-in days
• Disaster/emergency response
• Street pastors
• Bottles of water
• Baby supplies
• Meal vouchers
• Debt and budgeting advice

The assistance provided by our churches and centres varies. Anyone who comes through our doors will be welcomed, respected and assisted, based on their need and our capacity to provide.