PEORIA, Ill. – The Salvation Army of Central Illinois is celebrating its long history this week…during National Salvation Army Week.
The Corps’ Major Heath Sells says their programs help people 365 days a year, not just during the holidays.
“A lot of what we provide is the basics…to make sure where there’s food insecurity, that people have access to our food pantry, where last year alone, we provided nearly 73,000 meals,” Sells says.
Salvation Army services help veterans, children and families, and provides shelter in downtown Peoria.
Sells says the Corps has been operating in Peoria for 139 years, with operations starting on the fourth floor of the old Metzger Hotel in 1886. The Salvation Army Child Care Center in Peoria in 1934.
Over the past year, the Salvation Army of Central Illinois has seen a growing need for assistance, including a need for shelter.
The Corps is in Phase One of building a new men’s shelter in downtown Peoria that will double the number of beds available. It’s set to open in December 2026.
The current men’s shelter will remain open until the new shelter is completed.
Fundraising efforts are underway to raise $18 million for the facility. The Salvation Army has over $12 million in pledged money to help make the project a reality.
To learn more about the Salvation Army’s programs, how you can volunteer, or how to give, click HERE.
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