The Salvation Army Boise Corps and Booth Campus are a beacon of hope for the homeless, hungry, and marginalized in Boise, Idaho. With a history of service dating back to 1892, the organization has established itself as a vital pillar of the community, providing a wide range of programs and services to those in need.
The History and Mission of the Salvation Army Boise Corps
The Salvation Army was founded in London, England, in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth. Inspired by their Christian faith, the Booths set out to bring the message of salvation to the poor and downtrodden. The Salvation Army quickly spread throughout the world, reaching Boise in 1892.
The Boise Corps began its operations in a small building on Main Street. Over the years, as the city’s population grew, so did the demand for the Salvation Army’s services. In 1966, the corps moved to its current location at the Booth Campus on Idaho Street.
The Salvation Army’s mission in Boise is to “meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” This mission is reflected in the organization’s wide range of programs, including:
- Emergency shelter for homeless individuals and families
- Food assistance through its soup kitchen and food bank
- Social services, such as counseling, job training, and addiction recovery
The Booth Campus: A Hub of Services
The Booth Campus is the headquarters of the Salvation Army Boise Corps. It is a sprawling complex that houses a variety of programs and services, including:
- The William and Catherine Booth Lodge: A 50-bed emergency shelter for homeless individuals
- The Family Service Center: A hub for social services, including case management, counseling, and childcare
- The Hope Academy: A residential recovery program for individuals struggling with addiction
- The Treasure Valley Transitional Living Center: A long-term housing program for families experiencing homelessness
The Booth Campus also boasts a number of amenities that make it a welcoming and supportive environment for those in need. These amenities include a chapel, a library, a computer lab, and a playground.
The Impact of the Salvation Army Boise Corps
The Salvation Army Boise Corps has a significant impact on the lives of those it serves. In 2022, the organization:
- Provided over 23,000 nights of shelter to homeless individuals
- Served over 1.5 million meals through its soup kitchen and food bank
- Provided over 4,000 counseling sessions
- Graduated over 100 individuals from its addiction recovery program
- Placed over 50 families in long-term housing
The Salvation Army Boise Corps is also a major economic driver in the community. In 2022, the organization generated over $12 million in revenue and employed over 100 people.
How to Support the Salvation Army Boise Corps
There are many ways to support the Salvation Army Boise Corps and its mission to help those in need. Financial donations are always welcome, and can be made online or by mail. The organization also accepts in-kind donations of food, clothing, and other items.
You can also volunteer your time to the Salvation Army Boise Corps. Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of tasks, including:
- Serving meals in the soup kitchen
- Sorting donations
- Providing administrative support
- Counseling and case management
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Salvation Army Boise Corps at (208) 344-3103.
Conclusion
The Salvation Army Boise Corps and Booth Campus are a vital resource for the homeless, hungry, and marginalized in Boise, Idaho. The organization’s wide range of programs and services provide a lifeline for those in need, helping them to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential.
If you are looking for a way to make a difference in your community, please consider supporting the Salvation Army Boise Corps. Your donation or volunteer time can help to change the lives of those in need.
