The Salvation Army Louisville

Most people think of The Salvation Army as bell ringers & red kettles at Christmas. Fewer know the role we play in serving those who are in need all year long. We respond to help those during their time of need with emergency financial assistance, eviction prevention, food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, youth programs, emergency disaster services, veteran's support, culinary training, and holiday support. 

With rising food and utility costs, limited affordable housing, thousands of people in our community are struggling with being unhoused or food insecure. These are the very basic human needs—food on the table and a roof over your head. And without those basic needs, it can feel like there is no hope for the future. That is what The Salvation Army offers—HOPE; hope on the path to permanent housing for a family living in our shelter, hope with a food box of groceries to fill a pantry with empty shelves; hope for a family who needs rent or utility assistance; hope for a child to experience the joy of the Christmas season. Every night, we help hundreds of men, women, and children sleep safely in our Center of Hope shelter and dream of a better tomorrow. 

For over 140 years in Louisville, we have helped those who are in poverty and with your help we will never stop. The Salvation Army Louisville serves people in need throughout all of Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Spencer and Hardin counties. Thank you!

Who We Are

In 1865, our founder, William Booth, saw a need to care for people that society seemed to ignore and toss away. The poor, destitute, and unwed mothers. He believed that the work of God was not contained in a church building. So, he took to the streets to meet the needs of His people. We continue this work today.

Our promise of "Doing the Most Good" means the sun never sets on our mission to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those in our community who need hope and support the most. The Salvation Army serves as a safety net for neighbors in need who often do not have anywhere or anyone else to turn to for help. We provide both tangible and emotional support for all without discrimination, helping families and individuals rebuild broken homes and lives, to break the cycle of poverty. In fighting hunger and poverty, we can feed and nurture the spirit 365 days a year providing daily 3 hot nutritious meals. And, as a faith-based social services provider, The Salvation Army is uniquely suited to address the tangible physical, emotional, and spiritual elements of poverty as we give the world a lasting display of the love behind our beliefs. 

The Salvation Army operates over 7,000 centers in communities across the United States and is at work serving in more than 130 countries. We have a Salvation Army unit that can serve every zip code in the USA. These include food distribution, disaster relief, rehabilitation centers, anti-human trafficking efforts, and a wealth of children's programs. Our work is funded through individual donors, corporate support, red kettle donations, foundations and grants.