National Salvation Army Week
National Salvation Army Week is celebrated annually in recognition of The Salvation Army’s humanitarian efforts across the United States. The tradition began in 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed the week following Mother’s Day as National Salvation Army Week, and it has been celebrated ever since!
Today, The Salvation Army operates in over 7,000 communities across the U.S., offering numerous and varied types of aid including shelter, financial assistance, disaster relief, and rehabilitation services to nearly 24 million Americans annually. Nationally, The Salvation Army employs over 50,000 people, and has partnered with approximately 1.5 million volunteers in the past year.
Each area command operates locally and is individually vital to the beating heart of The Salvation Army. At the Austin Area Command, we deliver family-oriented programs that successfully address the demands of our community. Through our two shelters, The Rathgeber Center for Families and The Austin Shelter for Women and Children, we provided secure accommodation, three daily meals, and critical resources that helped more than 1,000 individuals experiencing homelessness regain self-sufficiency last year. The Williamson County Service Center provided rent and utility assistance to an additional 428 individuals.
The Central Texas community has distinct needs that our programs recognize. We provide immediate relief and work to produce long-term solutions. By addressing our community's needs, we strive to uphold the national mission of The Salvation Army, celebrating the significance of National Salvation Army Week.
“Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood... Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.” - President Dwight D. Eisenhower