You might be amazed to find out what our neighbors are up against these days. The rising cost of essentials is pushing more families to their breaking point. Some were already barely managing, working tirelessly but falling further behind. Others had always been able to make ends meet. But as prices continue to climb, their budgets simply can’t keep up.
Now, families who never thought they’d need help are turning to The Salvation Army. They come to us overwhelmed, trying to find hope amid challenging circumstances.
They’re not just statistics. They’re our neighbors.
Here are some of the hurdles families in our region are facing.
We’ve all experienced paying more for the basics — keeping food on the table and a roof overhead. But for a growing number of families throughout our area, it’s become impossible to keep up with the higher costs of almost everything.
Many of these hardworking families were already straining to make ends meet. But there are also many neighbors who had always felt secure but are now doing what they never could have imagined: walking through the doors of The Salvation Army and asking for help.
Fortunately, the generosity of our supporters keeps our doors open, delivering vitally needed help to the growing number of local families in need.
Here are some of the hurdles families are facing.
High Food Costs
Whether well-off or struggling, families of the same size generally need the same amount of food. But for those living paycheck to paycheck — especially now, with grocery prices still climbing — food costs “eat up” a much larger share of their budget. And in lower-income communities, fewer nearby stores mean less price competition … and sometimes the added burden of traveling farther just to afford the basics. As the holidays approach, that strain becomes even harder to bear.
*Source: Economic Research Service U.S. Department of Agriculture
Meet Juanita —
A Heart in the Kitchen
“I cook for the homeless every day. I try and make it a home-cooked meal, like I would at home.”
Juanita stirs every pot with care — imagining someone out there saying, “This is good.” Because to her, it’s never just food. It’s comfort. It’s dignity. It’s love.
“There’s a great need right now, and I get to see that every day.” Juanita sees the impact of your compassion firsthand. Sometimes she leaves smiling. Sometimes, in tears. But every day, she shows up for our neighbors in crisis — just like you.
“If you need us, we’re here.”
Soaring Rent
We’ve all seen the headlines — home prices are soaring, rent is skyrocketing, and families are getting squeezed. Inflation, high interest rates, and a shortage of affordable housing have made homeownership feel out of reach. And for many, even renting is now a monthly crisis. As we head into the holidays, more families are hanging on by a thread — with little left after covering the cost of simply having a place to live.
The Perfect Storm
Food, fuel, and rent — these are not only necessities but expenses that tend to be heavily impacted by inflation. These additional costs combine to overwhelm many families already struggling.
No Cushion
For many families who were struggling before prices went up, it was still possible to save a small amount of money for an emergency. Now more of those families are simply unable to save anything after covering the basics. As a result, they’re just one repair bill or medical expense away from crisis.
The Credit Card “Tax”
When a paycheck won’t stretch far enough to cover all expenses, some families have no choice but to purchase food or other essentials using a credit card. They then have to pay the additional costs of interest payments.
When Struggling Families Need Help
Did you know that, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, personal credit card debt in the U.S. has increased dramatically in the past few years, recently hitting an all-time record? Even so, families continue to struggle to keep up. Right now, homelessness is rising nationwide — leaving more families without a safe place to sleep, and more children facing uncertainty.
This is where The Salvation Army comes in. As an organization with generations of experience, we know what works to help people get back on their feet — especially during the holidays, when the needs are greatest.
We are our community’s safety net. With a 360-degree approach, we look at what each individual family needs, whether it’s food, shelter, emergency assistance, practical help, spiritual support, or just encouragement and a listening ear.
This proven approach brings neighbors the help they need in the most effective and efficient way possible. It’s how we offer families real hope during a time of year that can feel especially hopeless, and keep them from becoming statistics.
Act now — you can help local families stay safe, warm, and housed.
Struggling Families Need Your Help
Did you know that, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, personal credit card debt in the U.S. has increased dramatically in the past few years, recently hitting an all-time record? Even so, families continue to struggle to keep up. Right now, homelessness is rising nationwide — leaving more families without a safe place to sleep, and more children facing uncertainty.
This is why the support of caring people like you is so important. By joining with The Salvation Army, an organization with generations of experience, friends like you become part of the safety net that keeps local families from becoming statistics. Your support can help empower an organization with a proven track record of knowing what works to help people in need.— especially during the holidays, when the needs are greatest.
Please join us in being our community’s safety net. With a 360-degree approach, we look at what each individual family needs, whether it’s food, shelter, emergency assistance, practical help, spiritual support, or just encouragement and a listening ear.
You can offer families real hope during a time of year that can feel especially hopeless. What a perfect way to make the season bright!
Act now — you can help local families stay safe, warm, and housed.
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