Broome County and Binghamton Salvation Army assistance programs.
Many social services and assistance programs are administered by the Broome County Salvation Army. The center operates as a Christian, faith based organization in the Binghamton community, but people of all backgrounds can stop by. Whether it is a free box of food, hot meal, information on Christmas or back to school supply programs, or general guidance, help is available. There is also limited financial aid in Binghamton, ranging from rent help to money for utilities.
As with any organization, resources are limited. There also needs to be proof from the applicant for everything from their income to a copy of a lease or utility bill. Most of the assistance is offered in the form of basic needs (food, clothes, Christmas toys, etc.) or case management/referrals, and financial aid for paying rent, energy bills, and the like is much less common.
Binghamton and Endicott Salvation Army center
The town/city of Binghamton is where the main Broome County site is based. But the social services extend county wide. Clients come from a diverse background, and may be senior citizens living on a fixed income, the unemployed, single moms or dads, and the underemployed. It does not matter religion, age, or race. Anyone can apply. The list of what may be offered is below.
1) Emergency, one time financial aid – This will be funds for everything from rent to medications, heating or gas bills, and other expenses. The Salvation Army is a leading place of information on medical care too, and even find organizations that give free healthcare.
2) Christmas programs – Children can get free presents from Angel Tree, their parents food boxes, and Christmas meals are served to anyone in need.
3) Shelter – The homeless can avail themselves of the short term Broome County Salvation Army housing.
4) Self-sufficiency – Case management, guidance, and other support will be arranged to help the client gain the tools they need for stability.
5) Thanksgiving meals and food baskets – Volunteers prepare and serve Turkey meals, and local donors (including stores and restaurants) donate food for Thanksgiving as well.
6) Summer camps for children – They are available in Broome County and nearby communities at a low cost. Kids can get mentoring, hike, play with peers, and have a chance to grow and develop.
7) Disaster relief services
8) Adult rehabilitation can help substance abusers, with a focus on adults.
9) Meal delivery services are done by some Salvation Army volunteers in partnership with Agency on Aging centers as well as churches.
10) The Binghamton Salvation Army participates in job placement, training, and other activities, and may have vouchers for gasoline.
11) Other social services range from the Family Thrift store to back to school supply programs, backpacks, and much more.
12) Food pantries and soup kitchens are used to tackle food insecurity in Broome County.
The above is just a sampling of what may be offered throughout the year. There are also emergency single mom assistance programs. The Salvation Army does have limited resources in Broome County, so the programs change. The donations as well as volunteer levels also change, and more support is needed. So anyone that wants to give back is encouraged to do so.
The thrift store is particular needs donations. They also need volunteers to run the registers, stock the shelves, and much more. The donations (and what people can buy there) may be furniture, beds, kitchen utensils, pots, pans, and of course clothing. There could be hundreds of other items sold there, and the inventory at the store constantly changes.
Applying for assistance from Salvation Army in Broome County
So this is where the workers at the Salvation Army can give referrals too. Since the assistance available is limited, and in high demand, when the Binghamton center can't help, they will try to direct the client to another local resource. For any information on what is available from the Broome County Salvation Army, or for those referrals, dial (607) 722-2987 or drop in at 131 Washington St, Binghamton, NY 13901. Or another thrift store is at 703 E Main St, Endicott, New York 13760. Call (607) 748-9042.
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