The Salvation Army USA review: Rental assistance / utility assistance

For over 50 years, I have donated to the Salvation Army on numerous occasions. The past few years, I have fallen on hard times, due to COVID and as a victim of domestic violence. I never thought I would be asking for assistance from Salvation Army, but that's exactly what I did recently. The staff was pleasant, and very informative. It's disappointing, however, to find out that funds are limited, and being applied to worst-case scenarios, leaving others in need with fewer options for help. Staff provided suggestions for additional resources to contact. All staff members I encountered were helpful, empathetic, caring and understanding. My complaint is directed towards the funding.

I question making donations in the future to this organization, since it appears as though not many qualified applicants will be able to receive funding for rental assistance, utility assistance, etc. It's concerning with the upcoming holidays, where the needs will grow exponentially. My thought is that the homeless shelters will fill up more quickly, and utility shut offs will multiply, with an increased safety risk, those trying to provide lighting with candles, and heat the home with generators and/or fireplaces, woodstoves, etc. To sum it up, Salvation Army gladly takes our donations, but if we fall on hard times at some point in our lives, we will most likely never benefit from the organization's services in our time of need.