The impact of your Christmas support
Christmas, for many, is a time of goodness and joy, optimism and hope for the future. It is time spent with those near and dear, amidst love and togetherness.
However, for families struggling to stay afloat, Christmas can mean facing impossible choices — food for the family or a roof over their heads.
Your generosity and support enable the Salvos to walk alongside those impacted by homelessness, hardship and crisis. Be it emergency assistance during a natural disaster or setting up a new home after escaping violence, our wraparound service model is tailored to meet not just the immediate but also the long-term needs of all those who seek the Salvos at Christmas, and every day.
Last year across Australia, The Salvation Army’s social programs*:
Provided more than 1.4 million meals
to people who accessed homelessness services
Provided nearly 166,000
sessions of care to people in need through Doorways emergency services
Distributed over $11.8 million
in financial assistance through Doorways emergency services
Provided almost 89,000
bed nights to people in need of accommodation
As per The Salvation Army Impact Report 2026
Our services
Community meals and food assistance
We support individuals and communities facing hardship via free community meals at Christmas, as well as assistance with food and vouchers during times of hardship and crisis.
Family and domestic violence services
We play a critical role in supporting people and their children facing or at risk of violence, providing a safe refuge and supporting services.
Community emergency relief (Doorways)
We help people facing crisis because we believe no one should have to go without.
Homelessness services
We believe in the fundamental right to safe, secure and affordable housing.
Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES)
When disaster strikes, we support people impacted to recover and rebuild their lives with resilience.
Youth services
We support young people on their journey to independence with compassion and respect.