Around 100,000 Australians will be homeless tonight. Homelessness can affect anyone you know - your neighbour, your friends even your family. There is a wide diversity of people turning to us for help for many different reasons. Broken marriages, disabilities, domestic violence, mental illness or breakdown may all contribute. The largest single cause of homelessness in Australia is domestic and family violence, which overwhelmingly affects women and children. The Salvation Army doesn't just offer people in need emergency accommodation or a roof over their heads. Through our network of services such as counselling, legal aid, domestic violence support and lifestyle programs, it is our aim to bring people back into society, strong and equipped to fulfil a valued role in the community. To learn more about The Salvation Army homelessness services read the Homelessness Report 2013.
Across Australia, The Salvation Army operates a range of programs addressing alcohol, drug, gambling, and other addictive behaviour. These programs include needle exchanges, withdrawal programmes, counselling and referral, home-based programs, residential treatment services, support groups, and programs specifically designed to meet the needs of special populations (ie, youth, correctional clients, intravenous drug users, women, homeless people, and particular ethnic groups within the community).
Family and domestic violence is a serious social issue in Australia. The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing support to survivors of violence and their children through a variety of emergency responses such as refuge accommodation, and long-term support.
Emergency relief and family support
The Salvation Army views the family as the cornerstone of community life and fundamental to our well-being as individuals. It seeks to promote the importance of family values as part of its evangelical and social contribution to the Australian community. The Salvation Army provides many services that support and strengthen families and respond when families are unable to cope. Over 30,000 families are assisted each year.
Finding 'missing persons', is the role of the Army's Family Tracing Service. Finding people who have lost contact with family is a laborious process. There are times when the Army's success in locating someone is complicated by the fact that the person located does not wish to be in contact with those seeking him or her. Stories of sorrow and joy occur regularly for our workers, often on the same day.
This work commenced in London, in 1885, triggered by a concern for young women headed for big cities who were losing contact with their families; often ending up working as prostitutes.
Every week around Australia, The Salvation Army Employment Plus find jobs for hundred of people. Working with a vast network of employers, training providers, specialised support and government agencies, teams of local employment consultants create employment solutions tailored to each client.
Court and prison services
Our court and prison services provide counsel, support, representation, rehabilitation and programs for people accessing court, prison and post-referral services. A Salvation Army court chaplain whose role is to provide pastoral care, spiritual care and support, is attached to most courts. For more information visit our court and prison's page
Through our aged care facilities and programs, we provide a comfortable and caring environment, with an ongoing sense of personal autonomy and dignity, for older persons.
The profits from all Salvos Stores go directly to fund the various social programs and support we offer to those less fortunate. .
On average, The Salvation Army Emergency Services attend an emergency at least once every day of the year. It responds to people in times of emergency and disaster, providing assistance such as: refreshments meals, clothing, financial aid, accommodation, emergency shelters, counselling and responsible referral. This is a service which operates 24 hours per day. It is only called out by the authorities as per the relevan