Address
The Salvation Army Osceola
700 Union Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone
(407) 944-9968
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Programs and Services:
- Emergency Food Pantry – Tuesdays & Fridays | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- Free Hot Showers – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Free Hot Meal – Monday – Friday | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Clothes Distribution – By Appointment Only
- Free Dental & Medical Services – Please contact the Center for dates and times
- Rent & Utility Assistance – For information on our rental and utility assistance program, please call our caseworker at (407) 944-9968 between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM
- Office hours – Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Social Services Office Assistance
- Food Pantry
- Disaster Services
- Red Kettle Campaign
- Holiday Assistance
Pathway To Housing
THE SALVATION ARMY ORLANDO AREA COMMAND ANNOUNCES PATHWAY TO HOUSING
An innovative housing project to move from homelessness to housing in Osceola County
ORLANDO, FL – (May 9, 2022) – The Salvation Army of Osceola County is excited to announce an innovative housing project moving families from homelessness to housing. Spearheaded by Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry in partnership with Housing 4 All, LaRosa Realty & LaRosa Foundation, Career Source, Osceola Council on Aging, and other financial literacy partners, this is a game-changer in changing the lives of many for years to come.
As affordable housing in Central Florida has moved the area to the top of the list of least affordable places to live in the U.S., and The Salvation Army seeing more and more clients in need of assistance, Commissioner Choudhry knew something had to be done. Bringing together like-minded individuals and organizations to not only find affordable housing, but to help families maintain financial stability and secure their futures. This program, called “Pathway to Housing”, is an extension of The Salvation Army’s existing “Pathway to Hope” nationwide initiate providing high-quality case management and outreach services to families with children desiring to take action to break the cycle of crisis and intergenerational poverty. In today’s climate, finding financial footing and being able to afford a house is an unrealistic goal for many at or below the poverty level. Pathway to Housing will get families off the cusp of ruin and give them the financial guidance to see them through managing bills, living within their means, saving money, all while living in housing provided by one of the partner property owners. The outcome, a family moving into homeownership within a year to 18 months and possessing the knowledge and skills to maintain and grow a healthy financial future. Rent will be paid for one year allowing participants to save what they would have put towards rent as a down payment on their own home. As they work with a case manager and save their money, the kids are also learning these skills to better their chances of financial stability and sustainability – breaking that cycle. The Salvation Army and Housing 4 All will then match what the families save to double their down payment amount on a home of their own.
With funding from County, City, public and private entities, the number of families that can be mentored, is endless. Says Captain Ken Chapman, Salvation Army Orlando Area Commander, “When non-profit, for profit, government, and private donors collaborate, the community is a healthier place.” With an initial investment by Osceola County of $1,000,000 and Walmart with $50,000, the partnerships and outcomes are endless.
This announcement kicks off National Salvation Army Week – declared by the United States Congress and proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, as a reminder to Americans to give freely of themselves and could not be a more fitting representation of that vision.
Virtual Red Kettles
The Salvation Army has tried to adapt with the ever-changing pace of technology, by adapting our kettles to receive Apple and Google Pay and QR Codes, but we are afraid this is not enough. To ensure those who need our help the most receive support, we will continue to offer our virtual red kettle program. This is a safe, fun, and easy way to become a virtual bell ringer while giving within the comfort of your home.
As we look ahead to the holiday season, we know the need will only continue to grow, as will the need for financial support. We are challenging our community by asking 1,000 companies, groups, churches, organizations, families, and individuals to adopt a virtual kettle for November and December, attempting to raise $1,000 in each virtual kettle by Christmas Eve. If we can achieve success with this challenge, we can raise $1 million dollars during the Christmas season! This is an opportunity for you to join with family and friends in a time where we feel apart, have a fun challenge with your church group or coworkers on who can raise the most, all while filling this unprecedented need. Help us Rescue Christmas for those without!
Red Kettle History
This tradition began in San Francisco, 1890. Captain Joseph McFee wanted to raise money to provide a Christmas dinner for the widows and orphans of fishermen who had been lost at sea. He placed a black fishing pot/cauldron on the wharf with a sign that read, “Keep the Pot Boiling!”. That Christmas season, he not only raised enough money to provide a Christmas meal, but gifts and clothing as well. Over the next few years, other large cities continued the tradition. 130 years later, the Red Kettle Campaign of The Salvation Army has become a part of the tapestry of the American Christmas tradition. Millions of dollars have been raised, an average of $25 million per year, nationally, through the Red Kettle Campaign.
With fewer Red Kettles, your donations are needed more than ever to ensure as the pandemic continues, we remain on the front lines helping those most vulnerable.
