Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington County Salvation Army assistance programs.
Clients of the Centralia Salvation Army center range from single moms to senior citizens and the homeless. Anyone from the Marion, Clinton, Washington and Jefferson County community that lives on a low income can use the services available at the charity for rent help, free food, school supplies and more. The focus, while wide ranging, will mostly be for food, housing, and basic needs such as clothing or seasonal support including free Christmas toys.
When seeking assistance, even if it is just a free box of food, applicants need to bring a Photo ID, proof of residency in Centralia region (including those counties above), Social Security Card, and copies of date of birth. This is a requirement for all people that live in the home, not just the main applicant. Other proof of income is needed too, as noted below. When found qualified, the main types of assistance available is below.
Free seasonal help
There are 3 main services available. They are as follows. Each of these Centralia Salvation Army seasonal services relies on donations from the community of Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington County as well as volunteers.
Holiday meals and toys – There may be free Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, gifts for kids from Angel Tree, and food baskets. Everything from Turkeys to ham, meat, and more is given.
Back to school clothes and supplies – During July to August, registration occurs. Students from low income families can be given bookbags, discounted computers, shoes, pens, pencils, and more.
Summer programs – Centralia area children can be referred to summer camps, be given snacks when school meal programs end, and much more.
Centralia Salvation Army financial aid
The applicant needs to show the ability to pay their bills or mortgage on their own. Any financial help from the center is limited, and it will focus on the following bills too. Clients should bring proof of income, including Social Security, Unemployment, Food Stamps, TNF, etc. for the last 30 days.
Utility bills – When threatened with a disconnection, and after LIHEAP Illinois grants and payment plans have been used up, then there may be grants to pay electric, heating, or water bills. Continue with LIHEAP Illinois grants.
Housing costs – Only when the monthly rent is sustainable may loans or other money be paid out. Tenants can get partial rent help to stop homelessness, or the Salvation Army may rarely have money for a mortgage.
Prescription and medical needs – Vouchers may be offered for everything from medications to eyeglasses or equipment.
The Salvation Army center in Centralia may have other help too. While all of this is limited, money may be offered to pay for gasoline for work in Clinton, Marion, Washington and Jefferson County or professional clothing. They also can provide other transportation services.
Case management
Almost all of the Centralia Salvation Army social services include this. It will be mandatory is most cases as the applicant needs to be able to be self-sufficient. If they can’t do this, then no matter how much financial aid is given (for how long or short a period of time), the client will find themselves in the exact same place in the future.
This case management approach combines employment, budgeting resources, and general financial literacy. The goal is to help the client (as well as their family) break a cycle of poverty. Social workers will provide guidance themselves, or the Salvation Army will refer them to other partners in Clinton, Marion, Washington and Jefferson County such as job centers or credit counselors.
Other
Centralia Salvation Army helps with other needs ranging from emergency food to shelter, disaster relief, Meals on Wheels for senior citizens, a low cost thrift store and much more. The exact make-up of the Salvation Army Centralia services will vary by month and even year. Since most of what they offer depends on government grant funding as well as donations, there may be some years in which a service is funded and maybe the next year it is nor longer offered.
Applying to help from Centralia
The latest list of assistance programs and non-monetary aid from the center will be available by dialing 618-532-5942. While people can of course walk in to the Centralia Salvation Army office or thrift store, they may not always be assisted without an appointment. The address is 204 S Commercial St., Centralia, IL 62801
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