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24-Hour Shelter for Homeless Families
Families who need a warm, safe place to stay can find sanctuary at the Salvation Army Family Shelter. The program provides 24-hour shelter for families with minor dependents and can house 18 families (approximately 60 people) at a time. Although one in three of the parents seeking assistance is already working, it is very difficult to find affordable housing on a minimum wage of $7.50 an hour with no benefits. Stays are usually limited, but extensions are permitted for families working with Salvation Army case managers to find employment and permanent housing.
In addition to accommodations, residents are offered three meals a day and an evening snack. A lounge and free laundry facilities are also available. Families receive assistance in enrolling their school-age children and arranging transportation for them. In the evenings, adults attend classes covering such topics as parenting, employment, and life skills, while the children participate in supervised recreation in the gym, enjoy the children’s play center, or use the library.
The Overnight Warming House
The Salvation Army offers an Overnight Warming House program for families with minor children, when they are forced out on the streets in winter months. This temporary shelter, which normally operates from mid-November through the end of March, can assist as many as four families (14 people) per night. Because of space limitations, these families can only be offered sleeping space on floor mats in a hallway. They are provided dinner, a snack, and breakfast the next day. In addition, they are given help with enrolling students, arranging transportation for the children, and locating community meal sites. The Salvation Army staff also offer referrals to other agencies that help with case management, housing, and income assistance.
