Metro Detroit Salvation Army Is Looking For People In Need

Looking for help this holiday season?  The Salvation Army is here to assist.

The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is accepting applications for Christmas assistance from residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Applications will be accepted through December 9.

If the past few years are an indication, there will be lots of people in metro Detroit who need help -- so the earlier you apply the more likely you may be to get assistance. In September the U.S. Census Bureau reported the number of Americans in poverty jumped to 15.1 percent in 2010, a 27-year high. Michigan's poverty rate also rose to 16.8 percent, up from 14 percent last year.

"Last Christmas we saw a nearly 20 percent increase in demand for assistance," said Major Mark Anderson, general secretary and metro Detroit area commander for The Salvation Army. "We expect requests to increase again this year as families and seniors continue to struggle with limited resources." 

In 2010 The Salvation Army provided 91,553 Christmas gifts to children and seniors. Families in need of assistance should contact their local Salvation Army Corps Community Center to set up an appointment. To find the center closest to you, visit www.salmich.org or call (248) 443-5500. Early applications are strongly recommended.

This program is reserved for families with children; those with special needs; and senior citizens. Applicants must bring a picture ID for each household adult, birth certificates for household children, a current utility bill, as well as proof of household income and expenses.

Founded by William and Catherine Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination.  This past year, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing 3,194,802 million meals and 687,203 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.85 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year.

For more information about The Salvation Army, call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at www.salmich.org.