For someone facing a winter night on the street, access to an emergency shelter can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. However, the value of shelters goes beyond meeting immediate needs. Emergency shelters often serve as the “front door” to a broader system of supports. Salvation Army staff use their extensive knowledge and strong agency partnerships to help clients connect with the resources and services they need to stabilize in the community.
In 2014, The Salvation Army conducted wide-ranging consultations with staff, clients, researchers, and community leaders to understand “What are the best practices for ending homelessness, and how can Salvation Army shelters measure effectiveness in achieving this outcome?”