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.
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.