Emergency Salvation Army Hotel and Motel Vouchers
The Salvation Army may provide free motel or hotel vouchers to single individuals and families who are facing a sudden housing crisis. As a Christian, faith-based charity with over 7,000 locations across the United States, the organization is often the first line of defense for people with nowhere else to sleep. These vouchers from the Salvation Army (with information below) are designed to provide temporary, emergency shelter when local homeless shelters are at capacity or when a family has specific needs that a traditional shelter cannot meet
Who may be Eligible for a Hotel Voucher?
In general, Salvation Army hotel or motel vouchers are reserved for short-term needs and extreme situations. The programs are limited in scope and demand often exceeds supply. Since funding is limited and the charity relies heavily on donations and government grants, this assistance is considered a "last resort." The hotel rooms will generally be more low-cost units and “budget” type locations. The priority groups for emergency vouchers often include:
- Domestic Violence Survivors: Women and single mothers fleeing an unsafe living situation often receive priority to ensure they and their children have a secure, confidential place to stay.
- The Elderly and Disabled: Vulnerable individuals who face health risks from extreme weather (heatwaves or freezing temperatures) may be given a voucher if local warming or cooling centers are full.
- Disaster Victims: Families who have lost their homes to "acts of God" or man-made disasters - such as house fires, floods, hurricanes, or wildfires - can often access emergency lodging through the Salvation Army’s disaster relief units.
- Families with Children: When traditional homeless shelters are full, the Salvation Army tries to keep families (including single parents with kids) together by providing a short-term stay in a budget-friendly motel.
How to Apply for a Salvation Army Voucher
Applying for a voucher is usually done through a local Social Service Center. While some locations are beginning to offer online applications or intake forms, most vouchers require a phone consultation or an in-person interview. Many Salvation Army locations offers different services. The application process, while it may vary based on site, is generally the following.
- Find a Local Center: You must contact the Salvation Army center that serves your specific county or ZIP code. You can find local contact information by selecting your state on the Salvation Army’s official website or by calling 2-1-1.
- Verify Your Crisis: You will need to provide proof of your hardship. This may include a police report (for domestic violence), a fire marshal’s report (for a house fire), or an eviction notice.
- Provide Identification: Most locations require a photo ID for adults and birth certificates or Social Security cards for children in the household.
- Income Assessment: While vouchers are free, the caseworker may ask for proof of income or a lack thereof to determine your long-term needs for case management.
Emergency Housing and Long-Term Stability
A hotel voucher is only a short term, crisis solution (a.k.a. a "band-aid") for a larger housing crisis. The goal of the Salvation Army is to try to get people somewhere to stay for a short period of time, such as a motel) as resources allow while helping individuals gain long-term financial and housing stability. When you receive emergency lodging help, you will often be connected with case management services.
 Caseworkers can provide referrals for security deposit assistance, help with job searches, and budgeting classes. There is also generally information on rental assistance programs and how they operate. For transient people or those traveling to reach a stable family environment, the Salvation Army may also offer limited assistance with transportation or bus tickets in addition to an emergency motel or hotel voucher.
How to Find a Voucher Near You
Each state manages its own social service funds, so availability varies significantly by location. Note many local Salvation Army Corps Centers also generally management their own budgets and what programs they operate - so emergency hotel or motel vouchers are never guaranteed. In fact, they are often very limited due to demand/supply constraints. The best way to start is to call your local center or check their regional website for an online intake form. As noted, this form of assistance is a last resort.
- For Disasters: If you are a victim of a major disaster, look for the Salvation Army's mobile canteen units or disaster registration sites in your area.
- For Homelessness: If you are currently on the street, no matter the reasons, calling 2-1-1 is often the fastest way to start - though even 211 does not have every options. We also have a list of Salvation Army locations in your state or county to try to see which currently have voucher funding available.
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