Salvation Army Jackson County assistance programs.
Based on funding and the level of donations, The Jackson County Salvation Army provides support to low income and working poor families. They are focused on helping neighbors and friends in the area. The agency may be able to not only provide some basic needs, but also referrals to other agencies across the greater western Michigan area.
Food pantries and clothing banks use donations to help the disadvantaged in the region. There are volunteers that work at the centers to sort goods, review applications submitted, and they also hold fund raisers.
Many groups, individuals and businesses across the area contribute to these programs. They may give the pantry surplus food from a supermarket or restaurant, and charities such as churches often hold drives. Due to this generosity, the locations can help the needy. They are an effective resource for ending hunger in Jackson County.
The food bank will pass out both bags of groceries and surplus government commodities, if they are available. In addition to that, staff from the Salvation Army can direct people to applications for food stamps. The volunteers not only make sure that clients have some sort of food or information to prevent hunger, they also listen and try to build self-esteem that empowers people to succeed on their own.
The other service, which is a clothing bank, will provide everything from vouchers to free clothing or personal hygiene kits. There may be items for work or school, diapers, sanitary napkins, baby food, work or school uniforms, and more available upon request. Specifically, the location may also offer winter attire such as coats, hats, gloves, coats, blankets, shoes, and more. One of the unique features of this Salvation Army program is that is run solely by volunteers.
Career Dress needs can be met. This will be focused on people who are actively pursuing employment, or maybe are just starting a new job and have not received a paycheck yet. The charity may have free interview clothing, dress shoes, undergarments, suits, outerwear, or a hand bag for women.
The Salvation Army of Jackson County will offer other support to clients that use those programs. They can receive referrals for other needs, even financial aid, if appropriate. There are many service providers across the county to explore.
Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance is also available. Leveraging off the resources above, such as the pantry and clothing closet, volunteers from Salvation Army of Jackson County will try to provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Or during Christmas there may be small presents for children or a food basket. On key service during the holidays is Angel Tree.
As with many of the resources above, these will depend on the work of volunteers and donations. For example, one Christmas program is adopt a family, and this will involve people buying clothing, toys, or gifts for a child. Donors to this service may decide to adopt an entire family or individual and purchase items from their wish list. So with the effort of others, including money raised from the Red Kettle, these services just would not operate.
Salvation Army Jackson County financial assistance is very limited, and is only available to income qualified households on a first come and served basis. The charity will limit who can apply as well as how often, as the intent is to provide short term emergency help rather than a never ending entitlement. Also, any assistance is only offered at the discretion of the representative from the non-profit. Funds will only be given to the vendor as well and not to the recipient.
There may be help from the Salvation Army with preventing utility disconnections. Or funds can pay a portion of rent to stop an eviction. In either case a recent utility disconnection/shut off notice is required or copy of an eviction notice from a landlord. Proof of another source of assistance from another agency is also required if the payment due is a substantial amount.
If someone needs prescription medication, then this need can be met as well. Other requests will always be reviewed on a one off basis. There may be help in the form of emergency food, assistance with a medical need, help for addressing a disaster, or some other expense that has created a crisis for the family.
When requesting assistance, please bring proof of address and household income. Copies of the household budget are also required. The staff from the Salvation Army center may ask for other documentation as well. Any assistance offered is at the sole discretion of the staff member from the agency. The main location is at 806 East Pearl Street, Jackson, Michigan 49201. Dial (517) 782-7185.
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