Impact of the Salvos

Without the Salvos, I would be living in my car on the street with my kids and pets. My kids and I wouldn’t have been able to eat some weeks, nor would I have had help navigating housing.

— 37-year-old man from Queensland

Home | Impact of the Salvos

What we found

  • In the past 12 months, The Salvation Army’s Doorways emergency relief services played a vital role for those with no other safety net. Most respondents reported the Salvos made a meaningful difference by providing material and financial assistance that helped meet basic needs, such as food, bills, housing costs, clothing and household essentials.

  • Beyond practical support, many respondents valued the emotional and social support they received, with many highlighting the kindness, respect, spiritual care, and compassion that helped reduce stress, fear and isolation.

Supporting our communities

90% of all respondents reported that without the assistance from The Salvation Army, they would have been unable to manage their financial situation the past year.

What made a difference for people when they came to the Salvos for help:

  • Material support – groceries, meals and food hampers, helping to prevent or alleviate hunger. Others received financial relief to assist with bills or housing costs, as well as material support through tangible items beyond food, such as clothing, furniture, appliances and other household necessities

  • Emotional and social support – kindness, respect, spiritual guidance and compassionate listening provided by The Salvation Army’s staff, describing how these interactions helped reduce feelings of stress, fear and isolation. For many, the reassurance and care they received were just as valuable as the tangible assistance, offering a sense of connection and dignity during times of hardship

What people shared with us - what gave them hope during difficult times included:

  • Family, friends and community – providing emotional support, motivation and a sense of purpose through close relationships
  • Faith and spiritual beliefs – drawing hope from religious or spiritual convictions, belief in a higher power or purpose, prayer and participation in church or faith-based communities
  • Charities and professional support – access to programs, referrals, practical and emotional support from organisations
  • Personal mindset and resilience – self-driven optimism, positive thinking or the belief that better times lay ahead
  • Pets and animals – source of comfort, offering companionship, emotional reassurance and a sense of responsibility in caring for them
  • Hobbies, interests and creativity – engaging in activities such as music, art, design, reading and writing

The Salvos made a meaningful difference in my life over the past year by providing support during times of financial hardship. Their assistance with essential resources and community services helped relieve some of the pressure, allowing me to focus on other priorities. The Salvos' support also gave me a sense of hope and comfort, knowing there’s a community that genuinely cares and is there to help during tough times.

  • 31-year-old man from New South Wales

The Salvos helped me find my current home, helped with food, helped with gifts when I am financially down and out, and also not made me feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help.

  • 30-year-old woman from Queensland

Without the Salvos, I would be living in my car on the street with my kids and pets. My kids and I wouldn't have been able to eat some weeks, nor would I have had help navigating housing.

  • 37-year-old man from Queensland

Measuring our impact

About Outcomes Measurement

The Salvation Army has developed a national Outcomes Measurement framework to measure and track the progress and change for people we serve, as well as the impact of our services.

For example, in FY24, people reported positive progress after engaging with Doorways emergency relief services:

  • 98% reported improved life circumstances
  • 94% reported improved individual capability
  • 94% reported improved wellbeing or spirituality
  • 59% reported improved social connectedness

The Salvation Army remains deeply committed to supporting all Australians experiencing hardship and disadvantage. The Salvos will continue to walk alongside people in need to make a meaningful impact in their lives.

Learn more about the Salvos and the work we do

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Impact of the Salvos

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The Salvation Army Australia is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus. We share the love of Jesus by caring for people, creating faith pathways, building healthy communities and working for justice.

The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders past, present and future.

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