In 2024, together we served 2.67 million meals, provided 902,765 nights of lodging, and made a difference in the lives of 582,681 people.

These numbers tell one story, but behind each number is a life, a struggle, a story of pain replaced by hope and eventually, a transformed life. That is what we do together. Replace pain and struggle with hope and then offer a life transformed by God-empowered change.

As we visit The Salvation Army programs and corps throughout Southern California, we have the privilege of hearing the stories and getting to know the lives being transformed. And each one has a name. Martin, Nora, the Hernandez family, Nathan and Hank.

Today we invite you to turn the page and celebrate all that The Salvation Army is doing in Southern California. Work that can only be done because of friends like you.

On behalf of Martin, Nora, the Hernandez family, Nathan and Hank thank you. Enjoy the stories of transformation. And know that your gift has made a difference in the lives of individuals, families, seniors, youth, and in us.

Lieutenant Colonels Mike and Cindy Dickinson

Divisional Leaders

The Salvation Army Southern California Division

Central Coast

“God Bless America, and God Bless The Salvation Army.”

In October of 2023, Martin walked into The Salvation Army’s Hospitality House in Santa Barbara after being evicted from a trailer that was parked on private property. A 74-year-old U.S. Veteran, Martin met with a Case Manager who assisted him in developing goals focused on stability, finances, and housing. Martin embraced the offered aid which allowed him to acclimate to the shelter and stabilize quickly in this new environment.

Soon he was able to develop a savings plan with his Case Manager’s support, saving $6,000 and getting connected to VA healthcare. In early 2024, Martin was approved to move into Veteran subsidized housing. Almost a year later, he regularly contacts the Hospitality House staff, expressing his gratitude that we provided a safe place for him to live and be supported while waiting for permanent housing.

310,548 Meals Served | 104,734 People Served | 68,599 Nights Sheltered

Los Angeles Area

Preschool should be an innocent and inquisitive time of life…not a time for a child to cope with losing a loved one. At The Salvation Army’s Siemon Center preschool program, a child’s grandma approached the staff during her drop-off. “Nora’s mother overdosed last night,” she shared. Grandma felt that Nora would be more comfortable discussing her mother’s death within the preschool center and asked for help.

Although it wasn’t easy, the teachers knew what a pivotal time it was for young Nora and the family. The team rallied together to help in one of their greatest times of need, providing additional resources, ongoing care and support.

Today, only months after the loss, Nora’s grandma said, “Please tell our story. I want people to know how much The Salvation Army has done for us and how much you care.”

1,561,105 Meals Served | 200,933 People Served | 398,443 Nights Sheltered

Orange County

In 2024, The Salvation Army in Orange County provided comprehensive care to families, individuals, young adults, seniors, and veterans through shelters, family services, food pantries, anti-trafficking services, adult rehabilitation, housing stabilization, and youth programs. Highlights include 4,574 nights of shelter for survivors of human trafficking, and over 5,000 Christmas toys and care packs given to children and seniors.

To combat the growing homeless crisis, The Salvation Army is developing a Center for Applied Research & Innovation, a medical clinic and social science research center. This Center will be onsite at the Center of Hope, our comprehensive campus that provides crucial services, case management, counseling, job training, and medical care to empower individuals towards a new life of health and self-sufficiency.

179,251 Meals Served | 24,006 People Served | 224,223 Nights Sheltered

Inland Empire

The Hernandez family came to The Salvation Army Hospitality House when their long-term rental home was sold and they had nowhere to go. They needed a large, affordable place to live because their 10-member family included their family of four, a cousin with her child, and both sets of senior parents.

Thankfully, we had the capacity to accept this family into our Emergency Shelter. Our team helped the Hernandez’ save a down payment and eventually locate an affordable house to accommodate all ten members of the household.

The Salvation Army was able to provide this family experiencing homelessness with the space, time, support and stability to get to their next phase in life. The family is so grateful for the staff that patiently walked through this process, searching for a sustainable fit, while honoring their desire to be housed together.

266,389 Meals Served | 86,768 People Served | 51,269 Nights Sheltered

Camp Ministries

Nathan's Story

Nathan arrived at summer camp hesitant to get involved. Coming from the inner-city, he would say “I’m not a camp person” because of his limited experience in nature. At night, as it got dark, he was scared and wanted to go home.

Once his camp counselor found out that “learn to fish” was on Nathan’s bucket list, he worked to make it happen. As you can see, Nathan didn’t just learn to fish, but he actually caught his first fish!

From that point on, this young man was eager to join outdoor activities and became open to talk about God’s love for him. Nathan went home with this photo, tucked inside a brand-new Bible, marking both a literal and spiritual first: he learned that he belongs and can enjoy the world that was created with him in mind, and most importantly, that he is loved by God.

Where's Hank?

The camp staff couldn’t figure out why Hank would enjoy the sports and physical activities but then run away or refuse to participate in many of the group activities. One leader or another was constantly having to follow him and check on him.

Captain Cynthia decided that she was going to figure this out. She befriended Hank and patiently listened to him. Hank finally opened up. “Ever since my dad died, I don’t go to school,” he shared. “I can’t read or write and I’m afraid if the other kids know they’ll make fun of me.”

Captain Cynthia took in this information and compassionately adapted Hank’s camp experience. She pursued him all week, not only listening, but laughing and joking with him and helping him make friends with the other kids.

“On the last full day of camp, we have ‘Jesus Theatre’ where the Gospel is told in song, dance, and acting,” Captain shared. “Hank came to me that night and wanted to give his life to Christ.”

Hank’s life was forever changed because he was given the chance to come to camp, where someone cared enough to go beyond his walls and truly listen and love him.

San Diego

Door of Hope Garden Builds Community Across Generations

The Door of Hope Garden at The Salvation Army’s San Diego Citadel brings together families, seniors, and youth through a unique intergenerational initiative. With support from a recent grant, the garden provides a space where participants can connect, learn, and find purpose. Many young people are experiencing the joy of growing their own food for the first time and discovering the superior taste of fresh produce. Michele, site coordinator, emphasizes the importance of this hands-on learning, noting how it empowers individuals to improve their lives through healthier food choices.

Beyond growing food, the garden serves as a peaceful retreat and a source of pride for many. Seniors, like one participant who recently harvested her own green beans, take joy in seeing their efforts come to fruition.

360,848 Meals Served | 166,240 People Served | 160,231 Nights Sheltered

Emergency Disaster Services

In early 2024, San Diego faced unprecedented floods that devastated homes, displaced families, and left many struggling to recover. Amid this crisis, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) mobilized quickly, providing essential aid to those hardest hit. Our teams, comprised of staff and volunteers, distributed food, water, clothing, and emergency supplies, as well as offered shelter and emotional and spiritual care to flood victims in need.

The outpouring of community support from individuals and partners was equally inspiring. Funds raised from compassionate neighbors across the region have been vital in sustaining recovery efforts, allowing The Salvation Army to assist families in rebuilding their lives.

The Salvation Army is in the communities that encounter disasters, allowing us to mobilize quickly and provide an immediate response while also ensuring long-term recovery to those affected.

The Gift of Giving 

 In the 28 years I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with The Salvation Army, I have marveled at the incredible, positive impact the staff and leadership have on our community. From providing housing and hope to those struggling with the heartbreak of homelessness…to providing food to families who would otherwise struggle to eat…to supporting children and seniors with loving and caring programs…the Army shows up! 

My husband and I are fortunate to be able to give more than just time and effort to the Army. It is where we know our donations will do the most good, for the most people. We trust our local Salvation Army to know what this community needs, and we appreciate the opportunity to contribute our thoughts in that regard through my participation on the Advisory Board. I am always proud of the fiscal responsibility, the non-discriminatory practices, and the loving kindness demonstrated by the leadership and staff.

I hope to continue to be a voice of advocacy, a guiding hand, and a financial resource to ensure the Army’s work is enduring, efficient, and effective so that all who need a hand up, receive one.

“It is an incredibly rewarding experience to help the most vulnerable members of this community heal, thrive, and grow.”

Angela Krablin, Chairperson

Santa Barbara Advisory Board

Transforming Lives

Grounded in faith, grace, and love for all—without discrimination—The Salvation Army remains steadfast in its mission to transform lives with compassion and commitment.

Over the next five years, we are embarking on a bold initiative to expand our capacity by 30% and grow our endowment. This investment will empower us to prevent homelessness and provide vital support to thousands more individuals and families in need within our local communities each year.

With your support, The Salvation Army will continue this life-changing work well into the 22nd Century, providing hope and help to those who need it most.