Nurturing Community – Salvation Army Faith House
THE SALVATION ARMY FAITH HOUSE IN SIREN
The work of The Salvation Army Faith House of Burnett County has historical ties to the mid-1800s. Minister William Booth began what is now known as The Salvation Army in England as a means to help the poor and destitute throughout London who were not willing to attend, or not even welcomed to, a traditional church. Booth focused on ministering to people where they lived, and when fellow clergymen disagreed with his actions, Booth and his wife withdrew from their church to train others to provide help and support wherever it was needed. Today, The Salvation Army is an international movement serving with action and compassion in more than 100 countries. In this region of Wisconsin, The Salvation Army covers Barron, Burnett, Polk and St. Croix Counties.
The Salvation Army Faith House of Burnett County in Siren is a place where individuals and families can turn to when they have nowhere else to go. Last year alone, they provided 2,496 nights of rest for those in need. The shelter has two units and can house up to seven individuals or two families at one time. Each resident is paired with a trained Case Manager who is on site daily to educate and encourage individuals. Case Manager(s) help individuals by working with them to set goals that will guide them toward maintaining independence and permanent housing.
Staying at Faith House Shelter means working toward independence with guidance. Goals are set, sobriety is maintained, and independence is gained. It has changed the lives of many, including one resident who stated, “Their encouragement is why I’m on the road to success.”
During their stay, clients are connected to housing programs throughout the community. In Burnett County, providing Case Management to residents while they transition from shelter to permanent housing is critical. In addition, a person on staff helps with Social Security Disability applications for people who may have a disability but have not gotten the support they need. The Salvation Army Faith House has many other local programs including rent assistance, utility assistance and aid with transportation needs that help improve the lives of the Burnett County community. To learn more about these resources and to inquire about assistance, call 715-349-8744.
Many in the community live with hunger and malnourishment because they simply cannot afford to buy enough food, or cannot afford nutritious foods, or cannot afford the farming supplies they need to grow enough good food of their own. The Faith House is determined to ensure that children and families in need of help with food do not go hungry. Each week the Backpack Program provides over 75 backpacks to hungry kids over the weekend in Siren and Grantsburg Schools. The Backpack Program serves local families who sign up to receive this service, and volunteers in these districts pack backpacks each week filled with food to go home with school children in need of this resource. The program was created to help offset hunger on the weekends when the children, who normally receive a free or reduced rate breakfast and lunch at school, wouldn’t have access to those meals. The Backpack is filled with items to help reduce hunger for children and their families.
Remember, The Salvation Army is always here to support the Burnett County community. Sharing is caring is a long-standing motto that adequately describes the partnership between The Salvation Army and the community. If you are moved to volunteer your time and gifts, please reach out to us by calling The Faith House at 715-349-8744, or visiting our Facebook page at Salvation Army Faith House.
The Northwest Alliance Community Foundation is an affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation. We support our area nonprofits with educational opportunities and grants. Please consider joining us by making a donation. See our website nacommunityfoundation.org for more information or email nacf.hq@gmail.com.
