The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a world-wide church and social services organisation. The Salvation Army in NZ provides extensive community services – Family Stores, Food Banks, Accommodation, Welfare, Addictions, Employment Training and much more.

Quick Contact Info

Website: www.salvationarmy.org.nz
Phone: +64 4 802 6269
Email: General Enquiries
Territorial Headquarters
202-204 Cuba Street,
Wellington 6011
Mailing address:
PO Box 6015, Marion Square,
Wellington 6141

What is The Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army is an international Christian charity and church that operates in 111 countries across the world. Similar to a traditional army, it has a hierarchical structure where territory leaders hold the title of Commander.

Inspired by their Christian faith, The Salvation Army’s message centres on the Bible. Their mission is to share the teachings of Jesus Christ and meet people’s needs without discrimination. They strive to fight poverty, deprivation, disadvantage, injustice, and oppression in God’s name.

What does The Salvation Army do?

The Salvation Army has a global mission to care for people and change lives. They work actively within communities, offering programs and services to individuals of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds. In New Zealand alone, there are over 100 churches, also called corps, each providing a unique range of services. Some of the services offered in New Zealand include:

Family Support

The Salvation Army offers a wide range of services designed to support families. These include budgeting advice, parenting programmes, food assistance, early childhood support, employment training, and help with home furnishings. While specific services might vary slightly between locations, here are some of the common ones you may find:

• Budget Advice– including making sure you are receiving full benefit entitlements, and addressing any underlying issues such as gambling or alcohol addiction.
• Parenting Assistance– including life skills courses, family mentoring and counselling.
• Food Services– including food bank, meals on wheels, student meals, and free or low-cost meals delivered to low income families or people suffering from mental illness.
• Early Childhood Assistance– including playgroups, music and gym groups, and early childhood education centres.
• Employment Training– providing the less advantaged with an opportunity to find employment and develop a career.
• Furnishings– donating good quality second hand furnishings to families in need.
• Family stores – click through to find a Salvation Army Family store near you
  

Supportive Accommodation Services

Supportive Accommodation Services focus on empowering individuals who might be experiencing emotional, psychological, or physical challenges. This service helps people develop healthier lifestyles while recognizing their individual needs for healing, personal growth, and finding fulfillment. The main goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment along with programs that encourage independence, confidence, and essential life skills.

Accommodation Centres include:

• Bethany – a safe haven for young pregnant women and their babies.
• The Inn – for troubled youth needing short term accommodation and assistance.
• Night Shelters – for homeless people of all ages.
• Supportive Health Services – for people with drug, alcohol or gambling problems. Also supportive services for people with intellectual or psychiatric disabilities.
• Dee Cee House – for women who are prostitutes or substance abusers, or for other reasons are not eligible for shelter elsewhere.
• Independent Living Units (ILU) – for low-income elderly people who are still able to live independently.

Court and Prison Services

The Salvation Army Court and Prison Service helps people navigate the challenges that come with being in court, whether as a victim, defendant, or someone there for support. Their main focus is offering emotional support and practical help without judgment.

Salvation Army Court and Prison officers can assist in the following ways:

• Explaining procedures and decisions
• Obtaining information for you
• Advising where to get legal advice
• Showing you the right courtroom
• Minding your infant during court time
• Referring to other resources for help
• Arrange transport if safety is a concern
• Arrange emergency accommodation
• Arrange for emergency food parcels
• Offer a Christian support fellowship
• Arrange community service opportunities
• Arrange counselling as required
• Visit family on remand or in prison
• Assist inmates on release from prison
• Visits inmates on request
• Advise visiting hours and transport

Church Based Services

Salvation Army churches across New Zealand offer a huge variety of programmes that are constantly evolving to meet local needs. It would be impossible to list them all, but every church provides specialized programmes designed for children, men, women, families, young people, and older adults.

How is The Salvation Army funded?

The Salvation Army relies on a mix of donations, grants, sponsorship, and public funding to operate. They run regular fundraising appeals throughout the year, and you can donate money anytime by calling 0800 520000. All donations directly support the social services they provide. The church community covers the costs of any church or religious activities.

You don’t need to be religious or a member of the Salvation Army to get involved. They always welcome donations of food, clothing, furniture, and household goods. Volunteers are also essential for their appeals and community projects.

How can I get their help?

Everyone is welcome to attend a Salvation Army church service. If you need help with something specific, there will be people there to connect you with the right resources. You can also find contact numbers for many of their services listed under ‘S’ in the White Pages of your phone book or by visiting their website: www.salvationarmy.org.nz

How much does it cost?