Nearly 20 years ago, The Salvation Army in Allegheny County began the Red Shield Campaign in order to raise critical funds for three Salvation Army programs and services:
- Family Caring Center (FCC) - Located on the 7th, 8th, and 9th floors of the Divisional Headquarters building in downtown Pittsburgh, this center offers a wide spectrum of services and over 20 years of experience to the homeless. What is most unique about our center is that it is the only shelter in the city that can house not only single mothers with children but also single fathers with children and two-parent families with children helping to keep the family unit intact during this difficult period. The center can also accommodate children from birth to age 18. Operating 24 hours a day, sever day a week, the center is often filled to capacity and allows individuals and their families a warm place to stay for one night, one week, or up to a year.
- Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) - During a disaster or emergency, Emergency Disaster Services can be counted on to be on-site immediately to provide counseling, supplies, and food services to victims and emergency workers. Made up of a team of highly skilled staff, these individuals are trained to assist people in the most difficult of circumstances. Last year, the service provided support for over 275 emergency calls and assisted over 188,000 people.
- Comprehensive Social Services - Designed for emergency assistance, this service provides programs for those with physical, emotional, and/or spiritual needs. Some of the services provided include emergency shelter, food and clothing services, utility and rent assistance, water shut-offs, life skills counseling, medical care, and drug and alcohol counseling. Each year, thousands of families rely on our social service program to help them overcome their current hurdles and move on to a more successful future.
For many of the people we serve, tragedy can strike anyone at anytime. A house fire, an illness, a loved one's death or a job loss can have devastating effects on an otherwise stable home. As a result, families and individuals may have trouble putting food on the table or paying utility bills.
Your participation of "Kettle Challenge" helps to fund the Red Shield Campaign, which has an annual goal of $300,000!