Walton County Salvation Army social services.
DeFuniak Springs as well as Walton County families can turn to the Salvation Army for help. The social services unit at the location provide many assistance programs to the vulnerable, sick, working poor and disadvantaged. Assistance is available to people of all ages, residents, races, and religions.
Any aid from the charity is a hand up and not a hand-out. While the Walton County Salvation is willing to assist (when possible) this is not done for free, and the applicant needs to be able to help themselves. There may be some or all of the following social services.
- Food pantry.
- Clothing closet.
- Financial aid.
- Disaster relief.
- Shelter and housing.
- Holiday, Christmas, and School programs.
Other support may be provided too as resources allow. Financial aid may be provided by either interest free loans or a grant, but this form of help is limited due to demand. The Salvation Army caseworker will try to fulfill those requests by referring the applicant to other support such as TANF welfare or LIHEAP for paying energy bills as well.
Shelter and supportive housing is arranged in the region. There is a center for homeless women and children or those escaping from violence or unsafe living conditions. The housing, which is short term in nature, is a warm, safe place for people to stay as they transition from homelessness to stable housing.
The Walton County Salvation Army also partners with federal and state of Florida agencies on housing. There is Supportive Housing for veterans and referrals to homes for seniors. Many of these are offered in partnership with the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as well as the federal Veteran’s Administration.
Families can shop for low priced goods at the thrift store. There are people who associate these types of stores with low quality items or things that have been discarded. However that is not the case. In fact, Salvation Army thrift stores may sell vintage goods, gently used clothing or furniture, and even unique items. If there was something that was in rough shape, it would be discarded and not even sold by the charity.
Low to moderate income parents, or single moms or dad, often struggling to buy Christmas toys or school supplies for their children. The Salvation Army in DeFuniak Springs Florida has seasonal services. One, the Angel Tree, will use donated gifts and toys and children under the age of 13 may be given free help at Christmas. These trees may be set up at the post office, local malls, and other businesses.
Free school supplies, or vouchers for shopping at the thrift store, are other options available. The program works similar to the Angel Tree in that donations fund it. So people from the community, including businesses such as Wal-Mart, provide clothing, notebooks, shoes, and more. These tool help kids from low income households so they can get back to school.
Financial aid from the Walton County Salvation Army is used for addressing viable, short term needs. Clients that meet income levels and that have a source of income can get everything from prescription medications to rent help, grants for utility bills and more. These programs help keep the lights on and rent help is used to stop homelessness.
Families impacted by a disaster, no matter their income, can also receive assistance. This is mostly in the form of shelter, clothing or free furniture vouchers, and similar support services. There may also be help moving them.
A feeding site combines a pantry as well as government benefits. The Walton County Salvation Army feeds the poor, seniors, and children. This operates year round, and there may also be Thanksgiving or Christmas meal services too. Call them for groceries or free, hot emergency meals.
For information on their resources, the address is 122A N. Ninth St. DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Dial (850) 892-7656 for details.
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