Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.
Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Mass Feeding
Often, the most visible Salvation Army disaster service is the hot meals and drinks served to disaster
victims and emergency workers. This food may be prepared and served at congregate feeding
sites, such as a corps building, camp or shelter or from one of the Army’s mobile canteens,
which are essentially kitchens on wheels. In addition to disaster sites, the Army also provides
food at other types of events, such as search and rescue operations, law-enforcement activities,
school violence incidents, disaster drills, training exercises and special events.
Cleanup and Recovery
After a disaster, The Salvation Army supports people cleaning up and rebuilding by distributing
cleanup supplies. These supplies can include items such as mops, brooms, buckets, shovels,
detergents and tarps. During catastrophic events, The Salvation Army may also coordinate
volunteer rebuilding teams and warehouses to distribute reconstruction supplies, such as lumber
and sheetrock.
Donations Management
The Salvation Army is one of the nation’s leaders in collecting, sorting and distributing donated
goods. During a disaster, the Army may open warehouses to receive and sort donations and
establish distribution centers to dispense these goods directly to disaster victims. Donations may
also be used to support other disaster programs, such as mass feeding and cleanup.
Spiritual Ministry
The Salvation Army provides spiritual comfort and emotional support to disaster victims and
emergency workers coping with the stress of a disaster. This support may include comforting
the injured and bereaved, conducting funeral and memorial services and providing chaplainry
services to disaster workers and emergency management personnel.
Victims Assistance
The Salvation Army provides direct financial assistance to disaster victims through a system of
trained caseworkers. Financial assistance may be provided for essential living supplies, such as
food, clothing, medicine, bedding or baby products. Financial assistance may also be available
to assist disaster victims with emergency housing needs or to cover disaster-related medical or
funeral expenses.
Area Served
Coachella Valley Cities
CORPS PROJECTS
Social Services – assistance for families and individuals with an array of services including: food, housing, and emergency support.
T.E.A.M. – an after-school program that is homework oriented. Volunteers are coordinated with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Desert.
Operation Smile Saver – Provide personal care items, clothing, toys, etc. to students of Westside Elementary School in Thermal and Agua Caliente Elementary School in Cathedral City.
Angel Tree - assistance for families at Christmas with food, clothing, toys, and gifts.
Red Kettle Campaign – Main fundraiser to help support the services offered during the holiday season and through out the year.
Mervyn’s Back to School Shopping Spree - partnership with Mervyn’s of Palm Desert to provide new clothes for needy youth.
Emergency Disaster Services – Mass feeding through the Emergency Response Vehicle, clean up & recovery, victims’ assistance, and spiritual ministry.
Community Outreach – presents The Salvation Army programs to local service clubs and organizations.
Home-At-Last – coordinates with shelters throughout the valley to provide assistance to individuals and families. The deposit, first, and last month’s rent are paid making possible the opportunity for a positive and healthy re-integration to society.
Summer Camps- The Salvation Army summer camps serve the physical, social and spiritual needs of children of different ages.
Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners – A hot meal is served on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; everybody is welcome.