Our Story
The Salvation Army began in 1865 when William Booth, a London minister, abandoned the concept of the traditional church pulpit in favor of taking the gospel directly to the people. Walking the streets of London, he preached to the poor, the homeless, and the destitute. Booth believed strongly in restoring human dignity and providing basic needs as a means of showing Christ’s love. Today, The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world and serves 133 countries, offering the message of God’s healing and hope to all those in need.
You cannot warm the hearts of people with God’s love if they have an empty stomach
and cold feet.
General William Booth
Disaster Services
William Booth once said, “The Salvation Army is a place of hope. When every other light is extinguished, and every other star has gone down, this one gleam shines steadily and clearly out in the darkened sky: ‘If I could only get to The Salvation Army, they will do something for me.’”
The Salvation Army began offering Emergency Disaster Services after the Galveston hurricane in September 1900. With the city destroyed and thousands dead, The National Commander deployed officers from across the country into Galveston to help feed and shelter the thousands of survivors while also providing much needed emotional and spiritual support. In a time when many had lost all source of light, the hope William Both spoke about was on the way to gleam brightly in Galveston.
This passion for service remains at the heart of everything Emergency Disaster Services does. No matter the disaster and no matter the location, EDS is always prepared and poised to respond. In periods of darkness and grief, not only will hope be on the way; hope will linger. Let it always be said, even in times of uncertainty, “If I could only get to The Salvation Army, they will do something for me.”
Our 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.
Serving All Without Discrimination
In providing disaster relief programs and services, The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic in accordance with our capacity to help.
