Salvation Army's century-long service in Jefferson City highlighted in new initiative

Jefferson City — This week, Sinclair is teaming up with the Salvation Army to launch Sinclair Cares: From Homeless to Hope, a nationwide initiative dedicated to raising awareness about homelessness.

“If there is a need in our community that needs to be met, we want to step up and we want to do that and we want to provide that, and we want to do that glorifying God and serving those who are most needing,” said Director of Development Melinda Jennings.

The Salvation Army has been active in Jefferson City for 103 years serving the needs of underprivileged people in the community.

“We kind of talk amongst ourselves that we’re one of the best kept secrets in town and I think that people don’t know the transformative work that goes on here and the amount of people we serve on the day-to-day basis,” Jennings said.

In 2024 the Salvation Army housed 154 people. They provided over 20 thousand meals as well as distributing over 23 hundred boxes of food.

Add to that list almost 300 sleeping cots provided to those in need, and 300 clothing vouchers to the salvation army thrift store.

“And we have other services that we offer here as well. Rent assistance, electrical assistance, we provide clothing vouchers. And also when back to school starts we partner with the sneaker project and last year we were able do 100 pairs of sneakers to kids that needed them to go back to school,” said Jennings.

In Jefferson City, they offer 31 living spaces in their Center of Hope family shelter and a food pantry to which all can donate.

“We are one of the only services in town that offers a place for families to stay. So, we are definitely seeing that and feeling that and trying to get that need met,” Jennings said.

Their impact is felt strongly in the community of those they serve, and the sense of family keeps people coming back.

“It’s very important. A lot of times I don’t have any money to buy food, and I’m on a fixed income. They just raised my stamps, yay, my snap benefits, but otherwise. I love coming here. They give you food that’s not bad, not outdated, and the people are real nice. Very nice,, said a community member to KRCG.

“We’re always looking for volunteer help down here. Whether it’s in the pantry, whether it’s over in the shelter or where it may be. Even if it’s an hour or two no amount of time is too small or too big,” said volunteer, Dan Scheckel.

The Salvation Army is dedicated to putting all possible proceeds towards their provided services, with this in mind the impact of volunteer work is crucial.

“It’s really kind of fun for me to do something that I know helps impact what’s going on out there. There’s a lot of people over in the shelter, there’s a lot of people that come in here just for the pantry. Both of those groups are very important. It’s just one of those things. I can see the good,” Scheckel said.

In 2025, they plan to expand their shelter facility, adding additional family rooms, private bathrooms, 20 beds, space for play and family therapy services and more.