The Chittenden County Salvation Army has several locations throughout the region, including three thrift stores and a social service office in Burlington. This charity organization helps people who are not as well off by giving them money, food, and other things that they need. The case management services available are not only helpful, but can be considered a way to improve one’s circumstances.
There are three thrift stores in the county. The following items are included in the sale, but this is not an exhaustive list: electronics, clothes, small furniture, household goods, bedding, books, movies, toys for Christmas and birthdays, appliances, bedding, and other items. The Salvation Army has a wide range of items for sale at its Chittenden County locations, including:
The hours are Monday-Wednesday 10 am to 8 pm, Thursday-Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. The first site is located at 336 North Winooski Ave., Burlington, VT. The hours of operation are Monday – Wednesday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Thursday – Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The second site is located at 223 Lake Street, St. Albans, VT. The hours of operation are Monday – Wednesday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Thursday – Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The last site is located at 197 Pearl Street, Essex Junction, VT. The hours of operation are Monday – Wednesday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Thursday – Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The phone number (802) 872-8730 can be used to contact someone.
For people who need emergency financial assistance or information on social services, they will need to make an appointment. The office is open on a limited number of days each week. The Burlington Salvation Army does its best to provide financial assistance to those in need, but sometimes refers people to local non-profit organizations or government benefits programs. There are organizations that can help with energy bills, or provide resources like free heating oil from charity networks. Other possibilities are being considered.
Other social services may be offered as follows. A food pantry is a place where people can go to get free food. They usually have cereal, cheese, and other groceries that people can take. This is the primary program for hunger prevention. The Chittenden County Salvation Army may provide money to stop homelessness or utility disconnections, and there may be grants for rent, utility or heating bills, and other housing costs.
When requesting money from a church-based organization, be sure to bring documentation of your income, residency, age, and identity. The Salvation Army will help people who are in danger and don’t have anything to help themselves. The Chittenden County may therefore focus it financial aid on helping those who are most vulnerable in the region, including seniors with housing, single parents, the disabled, and maybe even immigrants.
A feeding kitchen is a place where people can get food from 5pm to 6pm. The Salvation Army uses this to feed the homeless and working poor in Chittenden County. This program is offered in cooperation with local churches, charities, and other donors. Some homebound, or senior citizens, may request a meal delivery service. The feeding kitchen is a place where people can go to get a hot meal, whether they are homeless or just need a warm meal during the winter.
Volunteers often provide services to the community in which they live. These services may include things such as cleaning up local parks, helping out at local schools, or working at a soup kitchen. Some people work to help seniors or the disabled, for example by delivering meals. Other people donate items to charity shops. Many people in Burlington Vermont help the Salvation Army in many different ways.
What drives their case management work is the needs of their clients. As a volunteer, you may work at the center to help a job seeker learn how to use a computer. This can help them with employment needs. There are also volunteers who can help clients budget properly or offer credit counseling services.
The community services will also provide holiday programs. The Salvation Army Chittenden County has its volunteers help with everything, from serving free Thanksgiving or Christmas meals to providing school supplies to kids. There are also other programs, such as Angel Tree and Adopt a Family, which provide gifts, toys, and food boxes. This program provides seasonal services for low-income parents.
The stores listed above are thrift stores. These stores are open to anyone in the community. The financial aid office for social services is located at 64 Main Street in Burlington, Vermont. To make an appointment at the Chittenden County Salvation Army, please call (802) 864-6991.