Salvation Army financial assistance programs Porter County and Valparaiso.
The Salvation Army of Porter County social services, known as Essential Services-Family Assistance, works to help the less fortunate. The faith-based charity, which relies heavily on volunteers and donations from the public, may provide everything from free food to housing, rent help, free Christmas toys or school supplies from Dress up the Bus up to mentoring for children.
The goal of the faith based charity is to positively impact the lives of low income families in Valparaiso as well as Porter County. They do this by providing emergency financial aid when possible or free stuff as well as case management services from Pathways of Hope to those they assist.
Financial help and poverty fighting programs
During a crisis, when struggling individuals or entire families need groceries for their home, the choice food pantry is available. Using the donations referenced above, which may come from stores such as Wal-Mart, Panera Bread, Pizza Hut or Kroger in Porter County, the center allows clients to select their own groceries. If someone is hungry, the Valparaiso Salvation Army soup kitchen can provide them a warm meal, such as lunch or breakfast.
The distribution center can only be used at most 4 times per year, with a certain number of days between usage. If the cupboard is full, the food pantry may give a much as a 3 day supply of groceries, such as soup, rice, cereal, infant formula, and more. The amount will also vary based on family size.
When it comes to other forms of help, much of this is available as part of the Porter County Salvation Army Family Service Center. Everything from financial aid to material goods, case management, and spiritual guidance may be available from the faith based, Christian charity group.
Using resources that have been donated, as well as partnerships with the United Way and local charities, the staff try to help the needy. They can direct them to food vouchers from the client choice pantry, emergency assistance for paying utility bills or rent, medical care, clothing, mortgages payments, and more. In addition, some of what is provided includes shelter as well as temporary housing for single moms or veterans. There is also homeless prevention in Indiana. Family Services are available regardless of race or religion.
Porter County Salvation Army also wants to end the cycle of poverty as well as keep families together. Therefore on site case managers will offer support to break the cycle of dependency through the Pathways of Hope program. There are also some more focused housing specialists that try to end a cycle of homelessness and/or evictions. This process involves many different activities as follows:
-Staff help clients find, and pay the rent or deposits, on new permanent housing in Porter County.
-Classes on nutrition, budgeting, financial literacy, and other topics are arranged with partners.
-Job placement and self-help topics are covered.
-Substance abuse help, including drug and alcohol services.
Many of the classes/workshops organized by the Salvation Army in Porter County rely on volunteers as well. It takes a community to in effect end the causes of poverty and no one person can do it themselves. Anyone can experience the joy of giving back to the Porter County community, so always feel free to become a Salvation Army volunteer or donate time or goods.
Salvation Army Free Seasonal programs – There are several. One if the back to school supply assistance from the Dress up the Bus program, and this may provide essential clothing, notebooks, shoes, winter attire, and backpacks to help children. There are also Christmas and Thanksgiving Meals served at corps building to all who ask. This is done in partnership with local restaurants and volunteers that serve the meals. Lastly is the toy program, namely Angel Tree. As part of this social service, the youth in Porter County can be given free Christmas gifts of shoes, toys, clothing, and other holiday oriented items.
The main office is also a place for seniors to go to. This is an option in Porter County and other communities. There are multiple older adult clubs for individuals in which they can access entertainment, socialization with peers and even sign up for spiritual encouragement. All of this is done at the same time as the Salvation Army serves them a meal and offers companionship. Read more on, and find emergency assistance for elderly.
Applying for and contact information for Salvation Army in Porter County
Assistance, especially money for paying for bills, is very limited. Some will run out of funds and be ended at anytime. Therefore all of the social services provided have strict eligibility requirements. In addition, when applying to the Salvation Army of Porter County for any type of help, please be sure to bring a picture ID for everyone in household, social security cards, birth certificates, proof of income and bills/lease, and more. The case manager will review all of the documents closely.
For more details on the services, whether emergency or longer term support, the office is at 799 Capitol Rd, Valparaiso, IN 46385. Or dial (219) 762-9191.
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