“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”    —   Luke 6:38

William and Catherine Booth, Founders of The Salvation Army

William Booth began The Salvation Army in 1865 as a means to help those in need throughout London. His wife, Catherine Booth, became an evangelist, preacher, theologian, and co-founder of The Salvation Army. Today, The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world and serves in over 100 countries, offering the message of God’s healing and hope to all those in need.

1922: The Beginning in Palm Beach County

In the 1920s, much of Palm Beach County was swamp, swampy or wetlands. County and community leaders knew that water was the attraction and the future. They also knew that water was inhibiting progress and growth.

Engineers, dredging and drainage solved the problem, advertisers told the story, and the county grew. Sand paths and trails were transformed into roads, roadways and eventually highways to accommodate ever—increasing automobile ownership and travel. Railroads, first the Celestial and then Henry Flagler’s Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Indian River Railway followed soon by the Florida East Coast, brought products, people and progress to Palm Beach County.

In 1921, the Kiwanis Club of West Palm Beach invited The Salvation Army to start operations in Palm Beach County.  Early in May 1922, Major and Mrs. Rex Munselle arrived in West Palm Beach and held their first service in the Congregational Church.  Open-air meetings were held in the afternoon, and the night service was held in a theater near the City Park.

Major Munselle was able to get the use of a vacant lot on Dixie Highway, one half blocks north of Clematis Street.  Labor Unions agreed to furnish volunteer workers to erect a structure in one day, without side or front walls, as Fire Zone restrictions forbade a closed building.  Thus in 1922, The Salvation Army Tabernacle was erected on Banyan Street.

An Advisory Board was organized with some of the city’s most influential citizens; Mr. L. E. Heisler was elected as Chairman.  Other members were: Judge Joe Earman, Neil Watkins, Mrs. C. Holtsclaw, William Crittenden, D. F. Dunkle, Miss Emily Curtis, Mrs. H. Hauck, Judge J. M. Lindsay, Vincent Oaksmith, W. A. Smith, Bert Winters, and John Zimmer.  The late Dr. Jay Powell was one of the Army’s staunch friends.

The Army was warmly welcomed by the City and County officials and the newspapers were especially helpful in publicizing the early work of The Salvation Army in Palm Beach County.

In 1928, The Salvation Army purchased the First Baptist Church at the corner of S. Dixie and Gardenia, for its first Corps (or Church.)

In 1938, the West Gate Community Center was started and rebuilt in 1962.

On April 11, 1970, the complex of buildings on Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, were dedicated by Commissioner Chamberlain the honor and glory of God.

In 1982, the West Gate Community Center was demolished and the Lodge facility was built on the same site to house homeless persons overnight and corrections.

In 2000, The Salvation Army vacated their West Gate Community Center and moved to The Center of Hope on Military Trail to house the county’s growing needs for homeless and corrections.

During the same year (2000), The Salvation Army in conjunction with the city of West Palm Beach constructed the Northwest Community Center on Rosemary Avenue for the community’s youth.

Today, The Salvation Army continues to work where the need is the greatest, guided by its faith in God and love for all people. With assistance to children through after school programs and community centers. It also houses veterans, the homeless and helps prisoners with their reentry back into the community. The Salvation Army also responds to emergencies like hurricanes and provides social services and counseling to those most in need.

The Salvation Army also has 3 corps that provide worship services in Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach.

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County has been serving Palm Beach County since 1922.

PR Contact

For all media-related inquiries, please contact:

Frank Marangos
Director of Communications
561-686-3530
frank.marangos@uss.salvatinarmy.org

The Salvation Army has operated a "curbside" recycling program for more than 100 years. It began in the slums of 19th Century London, and continues to this day in all corners of the globe.

The Salvation Army is supported by the collection and sale of society's surplus but usable household goods. In the early days, men with push carts were sent out to collect paper and other salvage.  Horses and wagons eventually supplanted the push carts, and in turn were supplanted by the familiar Salvation Army trucks.

Today, pick up service and drop off locations collect the donations of a generous public, which fund local programs and services offered to thousands of men, women and children in your local community.

FREE PICKUP IN PALM BEACH COUNTY  561-688-9153

83 cents of every dollar raised is used to sustain life-changing programs and services that brings hope to those in need in Palm Beach County.

Planned Gifts

The principal benefits of planned gifts accrue to The Salvation Army at a later time, after your death, or the death of your last named beneficiary. Planned gifts take many forms, providing additional income for you and/or your heirs, reducing income and estate taxes, relieving you and your heirs of complicated financial management responsibilities, and helping to fulfill your personal, humanitarian, and charitable objectives. Planned gifts can be made in cash, real estate, stocks, bonds, personal property, or life insurance.

Bequests by Will

One of the simplest planned gifts is a bequest through your will in which you designate either a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate after other disbursements. In addition to supporting The Salvation Army, it serves as an example to your heirs of the values and ideals you hold dear. A bequest also can reduce the amount of your taxable estate, which may increase the actual amount available to loved ones.

Gift Annuity

A gift annuity is an agreement between you and The Salvation Army. In exchange for your irrevocable gift, The Salvation Army pays a fixed dollar amount during your life and/or the life of a designated loved one. The amount you receive is determined by the size of your gift, your age, and the age of your beneficiary. Your income is guaranteed, regardless of market fluctuation. A major portion of your income is a tax-exempt return of principal, and the income may be deferred until a later time as part of your retirement plan.

Charitable Remainder Trust

A charitable trust transfers ownership and management of cash and/or appreciated securities to The Salvation Army. The Army manages the trust and pays income to you for the remainder of your life and/or the life of another beneficiary. An annuity trust provides a fixed annual income for those wanting consistent, predictable payments. A unitrust pays a variable return based on market changes, providing an effective hedge against inflation.

Pooled Income Fund

A pooled income fund is a trust designed to provide variable yet reliable income. Like a commercial mutual fund, it combines your gift with the contributions of other fund participants, wisely investing the sum for a balance of income and growth. Dividends are paid to the shareholders in proportion to each person's contribution. Your donation results in a tax deduction for the year your gift was made, elimination of capital gains tax if you invest appreciated securities, and reduction of estate taxes for your heirs.

Life Insurance

Contributions of life insurance can provide a substantial gift to The Salvation Army. The value of an ordinary policy at the time of the gift is tax deductible. If you continue paying the premiums, they also are deductible as charitable contributions. If a paid-up policy is given, the cost of purchasing a new paid-up policy at your current age is the value of the charitable deduction.

Hometown Endowment

A hometown endowment is a perpetual gift that can be designated for a specific Salvation Army location or program. The original gift remains intact, and the income is used toward the designated area of service. An endowment can be established in memory of a loved one, or a donation can be added to an existing fund that will contribute to your local community indefinitely.

The Salvation Army Social Service office provides assistance and support to people in need through various services and programs. As a distinctly Christian social service, we offer care to the total person, spirit, mind and body.

We offer assistance with dry goods from our food pantry, clothing from community donations, emergency furniture assistance for victims of natural disasters and utility/rental assistance.

A needs assessment interview is required during your initial visit. Case management during subsequent visits ensures forward progress in achieving and maintaining goals that lead to self-sufficiency.

We may refer you to other organizations if we cannot directly assist you with your needs.

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope initiative provides individualized services to families with children who desire to break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability that repeats generation after generation. It seeks to address the root causes of poverty in addition to The Army’s history of compassionate serving.

By helping families overcome challenges like unemployment, unstable housing, and lack of education, we can lead families down a path toward increased stability and, ultimately, self-sufficiency.

You’re eligible if:

• You have at least one child under the age of 18.     
• You’re ready to take action to improve your life!

Make an appointment with a caseworker in your area:

• Belle Glade: 561-686-3530, x26269
• Boca Raton: 561-391-1344, x26302
• Lake Worth: 561-968-8189, x26322
• West Palm Beach: 561-686-3530, x26269

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER AMENITIES

This facility includes a full state-of-the-art gymnasium, a large community room, a stage and a full kitchen. There are two full-size activity rooms and a computer lab. The center also has a large fenced-in sports field for outdoor activities and a playground.

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER VISION

Our vision is to have a primary focus on outreach to local youth with an array of programs and activities that will enhance all areas of their lives.

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER OBJECTIVES

One of the fundamental objectives of the Northwest Community Center is to create opportunities for local children to be exposed to positive influences through mentoring, character building workshops, tutoring and recreational activities. 

MEMBERSHIP

Membership into The Salvation Army Northwest Community Center is available to families for an annual membership of $30.00. Applications are available at the facility and cover those that reside within your household. Membership allows you access into the facility. Minimal fees apply for some programs.

For Additional Information Contact The Center at 561-833-6767.

The Salvation Army Center of Hope is a facility that houses our Veterans program and Emergency Family Shelter program.

VETERANS PROGRAM

The Salvation Army Veterans Program provides transitional housing and intensive case management to eligible male Veterans through the VA Grant, Per Diem Program and Health Care for Homeless Programs. The 22-bed center is a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, year-round program providing a stable living environment for homeless Veterans who are residents of Palm Beach County. All Veterans are referred through the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. The Center's programming is designed to reduce barriers to economic self-sufficiency, increase skills and/or income, increase residential stability and establish self-determination. Center of Hope services include meals, clothing, transportation, life skills, and on-site NA/AA meetings. 

EMERGENCY SHELTER

The Salvation Army Emergency Family Shelter provides emergency shelter to families consisting of at least one adult and one minor under the age of 18. Center of Hope services include case management, meals, clothing, transportation, life skills, and on-site NA/AA meetings. Center of Hope can house up to six families. Referrals to this program are through the Palm Beach County Philip D. Lewis Center.

CONTACT CENTER OF HOPE

Pam Berry, COH Director

Veteran's Program, Emergency Family Shelter: (561)682-1118

RESIDENTIAL RE-ENTRY CENTER (RRC)

This is a contract facility under the Federal Bureau of Prisons to house federal non-violent offenders and prepare them to return to society. This is a self-sufficient program that operates under a daily per-diem. Referrals are from Federal Correctional Institutions and the average placement is from one to six months. These residents are allowed to work in the community and return to the center in the evenings. Twice a week, they can go home on "free time" until 9:00 PM and weekend passes are available from Friday at 4:00 PM to Sunday at 9:00 PM. The purpose of this program is to help residents rebuild their family and community ties.

This facility is not a homeless shelter and accepts Federal inmates by institutional referral only.    

Trish Mikulan, RRC Director

Residential Re-entry Center: (561)689-1212

The Salvation Army began offering assistance to disaster survivors after a major hurricane hit Galveston, TX in September 1900, destroying the coastal city and killing thousands of people. At the request of The Salvation Army's National Commander, Frederick Booth-Tucker, officers (the clergy of The Salvation Army) from across the country moved into the Galveston area to help feed and shelter the thousands of survivors, while also providing much needed emotional and spiritual support.

Since then, The Salvation Army has responded to numerous natural disasters, transportation accidents, civil unrest situations and terrorist attacks. By providing for first responders and survivors, The Salvation Army strives to bring hope and healing to people affected by disaster situations.

The Salvation Army provides local and national disaster services

When catastrophe strikes, your generosity strikes back. Thanks to your support, The Salvation Army serves disaster survivors from the moment of impact until the healing is complete. We offer the following services to victims of natural disaster:

• Assistance to disaster workers 
• Meals
• Water and ice 
• Emergency shelter 
• Food and clothing 
• Cleaning supplies and hygiene products 
• Spiritual ministry

Support those who have been impacted by natural disasters:

• Donate online.
• To donate via check or money order, mail to The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, 2100 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33409.
• To donate via text: Text STORM to 51555 to receive a link.
• To donate via credit card, call 561-686-3530.

Become a Disaster Services Volunteer

• Our volunteers combat natural disasters with acts of God. To register as a disaster services volunteer, click here.

For more information, please call 561-686-3530.

Disaster Gifts In Kind

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County is so very grateful to the public for their continued support of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services during time of disaster.

• Monetary Donations:  Financial contributions are the best way to assist The Salvation Army with helping those affected by disasters.  Monetary donations allow the Salvation Army to purchase product to meet the most urgent needs.  When feasible, purchases are made near the disaster site to help stimulate the local economy and ensure quicker delivery to those in need.  If you wish to designate your gift to a specific disaster, you may do so at the time of your donation. 
• Gifts-In-Kind:  When needed, The Salvation Army will request and accept both corporate and private in-kind donations in support of the disaster relief operation.  Specific items needed will be identified based on the type of disaster.  Bulk donations of a single product such as bottled water, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and building materials may be accepted.   All donations must be properly packaged, shrink-wrapped, on pallets, and labeled.  Donors are asked to cover the cost of shipping in-kind donations to the receiving location.  If you have a donation of bulk product you would like to contribute please contact your local Salvation Army.
• Confirm Need Before Collection:  In-Kind donations require time, space, money and personnel.  These are all valuable resources at a disaster site.  All in-kind donations must be pre-planned and accepted by The Salvation Army prior to delivery. Donors are asked to be responsible for the shipping to the receiving location.
• Transportation Should Be Planned In Advance:  Transportation during a major disaster is often a challenge.  Never assume unsolicited relief supplies can be accepted at the disaster site.  Planning for delivery will allow The Salvation Army to have appropriate staff and volunteers in place to accept donations.
• Used Clothing Is Rarely A Useful Item To Collect For Disaster Relief:  Used clothing is rarely needed at the disaster site. You may contact your local Salvation Army to donate used items.  This helps support local Salvation Army programs.

Supporting Palm Beach County’s Most Vulnerable During COVID-19

In this time of uncertainty, The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County wishes you hope, faith and courage. We are ramping up our efforts to provide support for our neighbors in need. 

Here are a few ways you can help:

• Food: Non-perishable food items of all kinds are needed, as well as pop-top cans for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. 
• Gift Cards: Gift cards to grocery stores can be purchased and dropped off, or ordered online and shipped to our Area Command office.
• Monetary Donations: 
  • Monetary gifts can be dropped off or mailed to 2100 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, Attn: Linda Gunter.
  • Donate by credit card: Call us at 561-686-3530 or give online.

We truly appreciate any assistance you can offer.