The Salvation Army Helps Homeless Families Get Back in Control of Their Lives

Kulman says, “Our residents don’t just sit around and spin their wheels. They actively work on their case plan. Our case managers are good at finding each individual’s motivation to resolve their homelessness and get back on their feet.”

(San Bernardino, Calif.) The San Bernardino Salvation Army Hospitality House is ready to provide temporary, stable shelter to homeless families and single women. Their target population also includes multi-generational families and single men with children as well.

“The Salvation Army Hospitality House serves as a safe refuge that provides residents with a supportive, caring environment and all the resources they need to deal with a wide variety of personal and/or family problems. It all starts with an emergency shelter that can keep participants safely housed for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on their circumstances,” says Program Manager Naomi Kulman.

At intake, each new arrival is assessed by trained staff from The Salvation Army. Once the scope of a client’s needs has been determined, each family is provided with a detailed, individualized case plan and assigned to a case manager who will maintain close contact throughout their entire stay.

“People who come to Hospitality House may have been sleeping in their cars or have been recently released from a hospital. At the intake interview, each new resident gets clothing, bed linens, hygiene products, and a chance to take a breath after whatever ordeal they have just gone through,” says Kulman.

“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” says one recent Hospitality House graduate.

“I’m a single mom, and I lost my job. Thank goodness, at least my 15-year-old car was paid off, and when we were no longer able to pay rent, that’s where we slept. I heard about Hospitality House from a friend, and the people there have helped me find a new job, secure a place to live, and even got me enrolled in a course that’s going to add to my skill set so I can advance in my newfound career.”

Kulman says, “Our residents don’t just sit around and spin their wheels. They actively work on their case plan. Our case managers are good at finding each individual’s motivation to resolve their homelessness and get back on their feet.”

“Sometimes, that may include a referral to one of our partner agencies for things like mental health services, substance use, and legal aid. Whatever they need, we can either provide help in-house or get them connected to the right providers,” says Kulman.

As current resident K.L. notes, “I had a pretty bad rent history and I knew not many landlords would want to take a chance on me, even though I now have a decent job. But the Salvation Army has helped me reestablish a better tenant history, and now I have a place lined up to move to when my stay here ends next week.”

To speak with a Hospitality House representative, call (909) 888-4880 or visit the website at SBCSVA.com.

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army is one of the largest charitable and service organizations in the world, serving San Bernardino since 1888, and supports those in need.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals without discrimination. They serve the cities of Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Yucaipa, as well as Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and other mountain communities.