Peoria County Salvation Army assistance programs and resources.
Salvation Army social service units and Family Store in the Peoria County region focus on helping low income families, seniors, and the working poor. Some short term financial aid (for bills or rent) or free items (including food, school supplies or Christmas gifts) may be provided to clients while a case manager works with the family of individual on long term self-sufficiency.
Some of the most common needs met by the organization include food, funds for paying rent or utility bills, free Christmas assistance, and other basic needs such as free winter coats or hygiene supplies. Resources from the Salvation Army in Peoria are limited as the demand is high. Also the assistance provided is funded through donations from the community such as Christmas kettles, donations, mail appeals and Illinois United Way funding.
Resources for holidays as well as year round free stuff in Peoria County
Holiday assistance, including Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, is always a focus. The Salvation Army may be able to provide free Christmas toys, food baskets, clothes, and even arrange holiday parties for Peoria families. Ensuring everyone has some form of joy is part of the work of The Salvation Army during the holiday season. Money raised during the year from thrift stores and other donations often pay for the year-round programs and services.
The holiday season is an important time of the year when the need for assistance may be the greatest. Many families are faced with additional expenses during this time frame from gifts, winter heating bills, and more. So the Salvation Army endeavors to meet these needs of families and individuals during this special time of the year. They may even have additional funds to pay for basic needs and other bills. There are a number of other referrals give to nationwide services too, and find details on free assistance during Christmas for low income families.
Other seasonal resources offered include Christmas food baskets. The Adopt-a-Family program is for children or homebound seniors. Students from K to 12 can seek free school supplies or uniforms for school in Peoria County. The Coats for Kids program will provide free boots, clothing, and winter attire to children and students. The Children's Tree, or Angel program, also offers toys and gifts. Of course there are also free Community Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners served across the county.
During Christmas and Easter, special visits are made to the homebound and shut-ins. Volunteers bring information on assistance programs and bring gifts. The Salvation Army will always want the lonely to know that they are important. Volunteers are always needed as well. If you can, please volunteer for the serving of holiday meals, wrapping gifts, toy shop, bell ringing at the red kettles, and more.
Salvation Army social services and emergency financial help in Peoria region
Service units are also located in the Peoria county region. Among other things, these centers allow neighbors to help their neighbors in close partnership with the Salvation Army. These units are where emergency assistance is disbursed from. This can include food or financial aid for utilities or rent. The following towns have these centers. Call or stop by a Salvation Army center in Glasford, Princeville, Brimfield, Elmwood, Dunlap, or Edelstein. Or call a location for referrals. Some of the emergency assistance and social services offered include:
- Meals and feeding programs for seniors and the homebound.
- Applications for state of Illinois and federal government assistance. This includes welfare services for those in need of meals and housing.
- Seasonal assistance such as back to school and holiday aid (per above).
- Basic health care may be offered by the Salvation Army including assistance such as dentures, exams, eye glasses and prescription drugs.
- Disaster assistance during emergencies such as floods, fires, and tornadoes.
- Limited funding for housing expenses such as utility or water bills, or back rent.
Visits to nursing homes, hospitals and to individual shut-ins is provided by Salvation Army staff, case managers and volunteers. After all, the precious gift of spending time with someone is most appreciated by those who are lonely. This resource is often known as League of Mercy or Compassion in Action.
Other programs from the Peoria Salvation Army Family Services Centers are extensive. They include a 40 bed emergency shelter at the Family Services Center at 417 NE Adams. This location provides temporary housing for intact families, women, and children. In addition, nutrition, budgeting, credit repair services, job placement, and other self-help programs are offered to residents.
The Sylvia Fites Family Services Center provides a free noon meal as part of Lunch with Love. Other resources provided by the Salvation Army Sylvia Fites Family Services Center include emergency rent assistance, information and referral services, food pantry, seasonal assistance, job training opportunities, and other support.
A Child Care Center is also available. It provides services to children and infants under the age of 5. Programs offered include developmentally appropriate activities addressing the emotional, social, intellectual, nutritional, spiritual and physical needs of the children. The center is NAEYC certified and offers a sliding fee scale for the low income. Call 655-7283 for information.
Salvation Army case workers in Peoria County can also help families (that are in job training or working now) apply for free or low cost daycare from the government. Both state and federal programs are out there. Generally the applicant needs to be working and/or training a minimum number of hours (around 20) and meet income guidelines. Read more on free daycare in Illinois applications.
Disaster assistance programs are also available across Illinois. Staff and volunteers can help with issues such as a tornado, flood, fires, or more. The organization will offer support and back-up services including food and a canteen service. Counseling and other assistance is offered as well. Staff will remain on the scene of any disaster until the short term emergency needs have been dealt with and the Salvation Army's services are no longer required. Telephone 655-7220.
Applying for help from Peoria Salvation Army
There are a few main locations in the county. Everything from Family Stores and referrals and financial aid is offered. They are as follows.
- Address - 414 NE Jefferson Ave, Peoria, call (309) 655-7272 for intake
- Salvation Army center at 2903 W Nebraska Ave, Peoria, IL, (309) 682-8886
- or stop by 2800 W Townline Rd, Peoria. Phone (309) 589-0645
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