Sangamon and Macon County Salvation Army family assistance programs.
Towns and the region of Macon and Sangamon County are covered by Salvation Army programs and centers. There may be some financial aid available (rent, heating bills, etc.) as well along with basic needs such as food. While the resources are very limited, the agency does its best to help the less fortunate, or at the very least provide them referrals to other government benefits or non-profits.
If they have financial assistance available, it is generally offered as a form of homeless prevention. So this means it is mostly focused helping those from the community with an eviction or utility disconnection notice. Proof of hardship and other support is needed as well. This may include driver’s license, social security card, or other documentation, such as copy of a lease or utility bill.
Case managers from the Salvation Army in Sangamon County will also take a holistic approach in addressing the issue with the applicant and work with them to determine what is causing the crisis. So they may offer referrals to job training, public aid, and other social support services.
A number of other needs can be met by the centers in Macon County. They provide assistance with the following bills and living needs.
- Food pantries – Groceries, canned items, perishable fruits and vegetables and more, including holiday meals.
- Applications to public benefits, such as SNAP Services (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or veteran services. As there are many options available, anmd the Salvation Army can direct clients to public assistance in Illinois.
- Vouchers for basic needs, maybe including medications in life threatening conditions.
- Basic needs such as Coats for Kids, Personal Hygiene, and more.
- Christmas assistance is extensive. This may be Angel Tree Christmas Connection program, adopt a family, and other forms of meals and gift baskets.
- The Salvation Army always provides referrals to other charity organizations across Illinois and the city of Springfield.
Other supportive services can include case management, housing counseling, linkage to state and local benefits/services. Individuals can also apply for temporary financial assistance to address housing barriers. Or look into workshops that deal with life skills training, job preparation, budgeting, housing preparation, credit repair and counseling, transportation assistance, and a number of landlord/tenant mediation resources.
Homeless Assistance is a key function. One of the goals of the Salvation Army is to help individuals and residents of the region such as Sangamon and Macon gain the skills and resources necessary to transition from short or long term homelessness to an independent living. So to this end, social services range from meeting individuals' immediate needs to assisting them with long term goal attainment. Programs coordinate shelter facilities, case management, and other transformational resources. This and more is available in Decatur and other cities.
Emergency Lodges and Resource Centers offer support to the homeless and very low income, including single moms. Clients gain access to triage, support, and Salvation Army workers refer clients to programs that can provide the long term help they might need. People use a shelter for a reprieve from the weather, make telephone calls, hydrate, or get support with other, simple basic needs.
Job training and vocational programs can help clients obtain the income they need to pay the bills and rent on their own. It can assist with locating housing so that they may function as self-sufficient, independent citizens of the Macon county community. The organizations wants to ultimately eliminate homelessness in the area by leading individuals to employment and affordable housing that they will achieve productive lives.
Working in partnership with local businesses, non-profits and state of Illinois agencies, clients of the Salvation Army receive academic training and practical work experience in a variety of fields. Workshops and classes are held in life skills and offer clients a number of essential employment tools.
Information is available on the Supportive Services for Veteran Families, or SSVF program in Sangamon County. This was designed to assist low-income veterans and their immediate families in obtaining and maintaining stable, safe and affordable housing. Get information on how to get assistance from peer mentors who are veterans themselves as well.
Apply for help and contact information
Other assistance and programs may be available. The main sites are located at.
- Address is 1600 E Clear Lake Ave, Springfield, IL 62703. Dial , (217) 525-2196
- Decatur, Illinois, call (217) 428-4672. the center is at 229 W Main St, Decatur, IL 62523
- 221 N 11th St, Springfield, IL. Call the center at (217) 528-7573
|
