About
The Salvation Army is an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church that has been transforming lives since 1865. Founded in London by William Booth and his wife Catherine, it pairs Christian ministry with practical human services — meals, shelter, and support for neighbors in need — delivered without discrimination. Today The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world, serving in over 100 countries. Its U.S. national headquarters organization is a recognized 501(c)(3) charity (EIN 13-5562351), based in West Nyack, New York.
Mission
The Salvation Army's mission statement: 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 the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The organization states that equality has always been part of its mission and values, upholding the dignity of all people.
What they do
Programs and services highlighted on the organization's national site include:
- Meals, shelter, and support for people in need in local communities.
- Emergency Disaster Services responding to crises.
- Thrift stores and donated-goods programs that fund rehabilitation work.
- The Angel Tree Campaign providing gifts to children during the holidays.
- Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers.
- After school programs, summer camps, and life skills programs.
History
Soon after beginning his ministerial career in England in 1852, William Booth abandoned the traditional church pulpit in favor of taking the gospel directly to the people, preaching to the poor, homeless, hungry and destitute on the streets of London. He and Catherine returned to London's East End in 1865, where followers joined their work under the name The Christian Mission; within 10 years it had over 1,000 volunteers and evangelists. In 1878, reading a printer's proof describing The Christian Mission as a volunteer army, Booth crossed out the words volunteer army and penned in Salvation Army — the basis of the organization's foundation deed. The movement converted 250,000 people in the British Isles between 1881 and 1885 and spread rapidly to America, Canada, Australia, France, Switzerland, India, South Africa, Iceland and Germany. Eliza Shirley, a teenage veteran of the Booths' London mission who had joined her parents in Philadelphia, pioneered The Salvation Army's establishment in the United States. Evangeline Booth, the founders' seventh child, served 30 years as national commander in the United States — overseeing the chaplains and Donut Girls of World War I — before becoming the Army's fourth General in 1934.
Scale and impact
Per the organization's history page, The Salvation Army today serves in over 100 countries, offering material help and a message of hope to those in need.
Governance
The Salvation Army's U.S. national headquarters organization is listed on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer under EIN 13-5562351, located in West Nyack, New York, with tax-exempt status recognized since 1933.
