The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church.  Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. All of our programs are broadly promoted and administered without discrimination or religious requirement.

The Salvation Army was established in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth in order to bring hope, help, and salvation to the desperately poor, addicted, and trafficked in London. In 1879, The Salvation Army expanded to the United States and reached Orange County, California in 1887. Today, The Salvation Army is one of the most recognized and beloved charities in the world. Approximately 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year. The Salvation Army takes our brand promise of “Doing the Most Good” and our mission "to meet human needs in God’s name without discrimination" seriously. With a long history of compassionate, effective and efficient service to others, many have recognized The Salvation Army as a leader in the non-profit sector. Currently, our Social Services Department operates: a 24 hour 325-bed emergency shelter for both men and women; a transitional housing program for homeless families in Orange County; an Anti-Trafficking program (as founding partners of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force) with wrap around services and immediate safe housing for rescued survivors; and 3 Family Services offices.

Furthermore, we offer: 2 Youth Centers with after school physical fitness activities, homework help, and a variety of other youth activities; 1 state licensed childcare center; 1 state licensed preschool; a no-cost, 170 bed facility with a comprehensive rehabilitation program for chemically dependent men and women; OC614 - an outreach to homeless individuals living on the streets; the Crescendo School of Music - a scholarship program for youth desiring to achieve a high level of musical proficiency; and 3 worship centers - offering weekly worship services and a variety of classes, community and relational opportunities, and events. Seasonal assistance is also provided and includes: a Christmas "Toy n Joy" Shop where parents of families in need can select new toys and grocery store gift cards, a Back-to-School shopping spree for 550 children, and 2 subsidized summer camps for youth. Lastly, on-site disaster relief services are a priority mission for The Salvation Army. In times of disaster, we are prepared to respond with a fully mobile and operational canteen, offering a variety of emergency assistance from food preparation, water and shelter to connections with our other social services. Please see Disaster tab for more detail.

Our mission is to make both visible and invisible impacts on those who are in desperate need. We strive to provide environments conducive for family, safety, education, personal growth, and life transformation. Furthermore, our strategy of continuum of care is essential to empowering individuals and families to take steps forward to self-determined independence, responsibility, and sustainability as contributive members of their community. This is accomplished via our Family Services offices, Homeless Services, Transitional Housing Programs, Anti-Human Trafficking Services, Adult Rehabilitation Center, Licensed Preschool & Youth Programs, and Community Ministry Corps. Through these programs, we feed, clothe, rescue, shelter, counsel, assist, empower, and direct to further resources all possible.
2019 Highlights: We opened the Anaheim Emergency Shelter for Homeless Men and Women and Thatiana's Home for victims of human trafficking in January.
2020 Highlights: We increased the bed capacity to 325 beds on June 1st at the Anaheim Emergency Shelter.
2021 Highlights: Our community came together at our fundraising gala in December to raise a record-breaking $2.2 million towards the Center of Hope.
2022 Highlights: We broke ground on the Center of Hope and construction has begun.
2023 Highlights: The Center of Hope's Permanent Supportive Housing building was completed and residents moved in.
2024 Highlights: We raised 1.8 million for the Center of Hope's Center for Applied Research and Innovation, which has already begun work in developing innovative strategies for combating homelessness and other social challenges.

Most Pressing Needs in 2025: Rental Assistance Funds for our Family Services Clients. Funding for wrap-around programming at our safe home for domestic human trafficking survivors. This home opened in January of 2019. It provides immediate safe housing and comprehensive programming. This includes holistic case management, mental health therapy to assist with recovery from significant trauma, and assistance with all necessary elements of training and preparation to transition into a safe, empowered, self-determined, and sustainable future. Continued funding and volunteers for our Homeless Services and Shelters. This includes our Anaheim Emergency Shelter and our Transitional Housing Programs/Locations. Support for our Transitional Housing Program. Additionally, there is always a need to build our volunteer base. Volunteers are needed throughout the county to provide specialized services such as, but not limited to: youth program volunteers (soccer, basketball, field trips, etc.), therapeutic counseling for a variety of situations, parenting mentors, legal advocacy and transporting of clients. Please contact oliver.nunn@usw.salvationarmy.org for volunteering.

We serve all of Orange County. Furthermore, when space and resources are available, many organizations located in adjacent counties (San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, etc.) refer individuals to our programs and services when appropriate and needed.

We started to carry a vision that God planted in our hearts—to end chronic homelessness in Orange County. That vision still burns brightly in our spirit and our soul today. Our goal here at The Salvation Army Orange County is to create an environment for people to find hope again.

Last year, we were able to provide 328,534 warm, nutritious meals, 159,289 nights of shelter, and 5,372 Christmas gifts to children. We provided 1,273 families with rent and utility assistance, and we served 2,500 families through our food pantry.

Your partnership means that we are able to continue serving those on the margins of society—bringing dignity, humanity, and hope to thousands of families across Orange County. My heart is overflowing with gratitude as I consider all that you do to support the work of The Salvation Army Orange County. Thank you.

The Salvation Army Orange County is committed to transforming lives with courage and innovation, empowered by Holy Faith.

The goal is not only to provide shelter for people living in the streets, but to provide comprehensive resources that make sustainable life change possible.

The Center of Hope, a revolutionary $60 million response to a homeless crisis broke ground on January 31, 2022. This comprehensive campus will transition thousands of homeless individuals annually from a life on the streets to a life of sustainable physical, emotional and spiritual health and ultimate autonomy. The result will be transformed lives, safer neighborhoods and business districts, and the real prospect of an end to chronic homelessness in our community.

We have always been committed to fight for the vulnerable, the lost, and those needing hope in our society. Thank you for joining us in this fight and let’s continue to transform lives together!