Salvation Army assistance programs in Jefferson County Texas.
The Salvation Army in Jefferson County Texas operates from two locations. One is the thrift store, in which items such as clothing, appliances, school supplies, and seasonal items including Christmas toys are sold at a low cost to the public. Another center in Beaumont processes applications to financial aid programs as well as offers free food, shelter, and more.
While the center is a Christian based organization, anyone in need can apply for help. They do not discriminate. Over the course of a year there in in fact hundreds of single parents, immigrants, unemployed, and other struggling individuals assisted. While the resources are limited (especially money for paying bills or rent), the Beaumont Salvation Army does it best to meet the needs of applicants.
There are housing programs administered. One being the Red Shield Shelter, which is for the homeless. When a family (or individual) does not have a consistent, safe place to sleep at each night, this shelter (which houses men or women) may help them. The number of available beds is limited and goes quickly.
Red Shield Shelter guests will not only be given a bed, but meals and hygiene needs are addressed. This can include the use of a laundry to clean clothes, hot lunches or continental breakfasts, and the use of showers. There are also Salvation Army computers for internet browsing to search for a job or to create a proper resume.
Homeless, or formerly homeless in Jefferson County, that now have some source of income can apply for transitional housing. This is an income based approach that is for longer term stays; generally weeks or months. The Beaumont Salvation Army client will need to maintain their room, help prepare meals, agree to monthly savings on their income, and participate in other activities that prove self-sufficiency. Transitional housing is the last step to placement into a permanent home.
Social services cover various needs. There is not only help for people impacted by a disaster but the Jefferson County Salvation Army will also help in a financial crisis. This means that when a low income family is faced with circumstances beyond their control, and they they did not create, the center may be able to assist.
The type of support depends on the need and reason for it. If someone needs a ride (bus pass or gasoline voucher) for a job while they wait on their first paycheck, this may be arranged. Other more common uses of the social services include providing money for a portion of rent or utility bills. There are also vouchers for obtaining prescription medications.
Only partial support is paid out, and this is only after all qualifications are met. So the client may get “tens of dollars” for their housing/rent/energy needs. They need to also participate in paying a portion of their their bills. Another qualification of the Salvation Army will be that any financial aid they pay is a last resort. So applicant need to show proof of exhaustion of all other options, such as government grants, United Way funds, etc.
A disaster in Jefferson County Texas may be handled slightly differently. The income restrictions are looser for this. The Salvation Army, and partners such as the American Red Cross, always try to respond quickly in Jefferson County by offering meals, shelter, water, and more.
The Jefferson County Texas Salvation Army food pantry, thrift store, and clothing bank are what is used to provide basic needs. The address here is 4295 College St in Beaumont. There are daily programs run from here such as free groceries from the pantry and the sale of goods from the thrift store. What working poor families may also find are the seasonal programs too, such as the following.
Christmas as well as Thanksgiving is a key time for the charity. The Salvation Army will serve meals, provide free toys or presents to children, and pass out food basket. Other seasonal services provide school supplies to students or allow children to enroll into summer camps when not in school. So education is a focus of the Beaumont Salvation Army.
How to get financial help from Salvation Army in Jefferson County TX
For more information, the address is 2350 I-10 Frontage Rd, Beaumont, TX 77703. Call the non-profit Salvation Army social service center at (409) 896-2361 for details.
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