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Men's Shelters Image

Men's Shelters

Providing Support, Resources, and Hope for Men in Need

In the U.S., on any given night, there are 582,462 people without a place to call home. And among them, 60.2% are men. At The Salvation Army, we truly care about men who are going through tough times and experiencing homelessness. We understand that life can be challenging, and we want to provide hope and support when you need it most. Our men's shelters offer a safe and welcoming environment where you can find refuge. 

Our goal is to provide the necessary resources and support to address the root causes of housing insecurity and help you create a brighter future. We believe that with this holistic approach and encouragement, anything is possible. We're here for you, and we want to help you find hope and a path forward. 

Are you or someone you know in need of shelter?

The best way to find your nearest shelter is by contacting your local Salvation Army.

 

Discover The Salvation Army Men's Shelter Program: Providing Support and Shelter for Men in Need 

The Salvation Army serves families and individuals who find themselves facing homelessness. Depending on your location, our men's shelters provide safe shelter and a comprehensive range of services for individuals in need. For example, The Salvation Army Northern Division boasts 50 locations throughout Minnesota and North Dakota that provide either emergency, transitional, or permanent housing solutions. Like many of our Men's Shelters, these residential programs provide secure and comfortable accommodations with essential amenities and nutritious meals. We help men in crisis rebuild their lives, form healthy relationships, and build a better future for themselves. 

Types of services offered

Each year, The Salvation Army provides nearly 8 million nights of lodging to those in need. Depending on the location, our men's shelters may provide the following services:  

  • 24-hour availability, 365 days a year.  
  • Housing resources, including beds or dormitories.  
  • Basic hygiene supplies such as soap and deodorant, as well as a shower kit and access to showers.  
  • Access to nourishing daily meals: choose from food pantries or soup kitchens, depending on your location. 
  • Clean clothing and laundry facility access.  
  • Assessment of drug and alcohol use, with an on-site referral for substance use disorder recovery programs, treatment, and rehabilitative services.  
  • Employment programs, job training, and vocational services.  
  • Continued educational support.  
  • Personal development programs.  
  • Pastoral services, Christ-centered programs, Bible studies, and biblically based life skills classes.  
  • Reentry services.  

Our clients work with on-site case workers to develop a comprehensive goal-oriented plan to help clients streamline, prioritize, and accomplish these goals to overcome crises and prevent future housing insecurity.  

What Is Required for Admission to a Men's Shelter 

Anyone who meets the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development criteria for homelessness is eligible for assistance from our men's shelters. The guidelines from the HUD website include:  

  • Residing in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, abandoned buildings, streets, and sidewalks.  
  • Residing in an emergency shelter.  
  • Residing in transitional or supportive housing after originally coming from the streets or emergency shelters.  
  • Being evicted within a week from a private dwelling unit with no subsequent residence identified while lacking resources and support networks needed to obtain housing.  
  • Being discharged within a week from an institution in which you have been a resident for more than 30 consecutive days with no subsequent residence identified, such as a mental health or substance abuse treatment facility or a jail/prison.  
  • Fleeing an abusive relationship or a domestic violence housing situation with no subsequent residence identified and lacking the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing.  

Men in need satisfying the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development criteria for homelessness are eligible to enter The Salvation Army Men's Shelters, you must adhere to the rules and requirements in order to be approved for a stay. These requirements vary based on where the shelter is located, so it's important to contact your local men's shelter and ask for the specific eligibility criteria and necessary documents for entry or application. 

Please note that all Salvation Army men's homeless shelters have strict policies prohibiting alcohol, drugs, pornography, or weapons of any kind. Our priority is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all of our guests. 

You may be required to attend case management sessions or meet with job placement specialists and/or attend substance use recovery programs or mental health counseling. It's best to check with the shelter to see what their specific requirements are. 

In cities where we do not currently operate men's homeless shelters, we help refer those facing housing and food insecurity to partner programs that may assist with emergency shelter services or offer financial assistance to help cover emergency overnight housing costs. 

Success Stories
Formerly Homeless Man Recalls 'Key' to His Comeback

As any unhoused person can attest, the experience of being homeless can be incredibly isolating and demoralizing. For Brett Bruvold, a former software executive, not owning a house key felt especially devastating. A house key wasn't just a physical reminder of his lost possessions but a symbol of his loss of security and control. Despite his successful career, his life had spiraled out of control due to a seven-year struggle with substance use disorder. "After you get to rock bottom, you need a place to live." Brett turned to The Salvation Army Men's Shelter in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and found the help he desperately needed. He was able to start rebuilding his life and imagine a brighter future. The moment he walked into the shelter; Brett realized just how much of a crisis he was in as a result of struggling with substance use disorder. But with the help of one of our social workers, he was given a key to a bedroom and a chance to start fresh.

Bruvold said, "If you don't have a friend or relative to stay with — most people don't because they've burned all their bridges — you have nowhere to go. I don't know how anybody could do it without The Salvation Army or a place like it."  Brett is only one example of how our men's shelters have helped countless men find hope and a path toward a brighter future. Across the nation, our former residents share how the Army helped them at a critical juncture on their life journey. 

How To Support a Salvation Army Men's Shelter Program 

If you're interested in positively impacting the lives of men in your community who may be experiencing challenging life circumstances, contact your local Salvation Army. They can provide valuable insight into the types of items or support most needed in your area and how you can best lend a helping hand. 

In addition to volunteering your time and resources, donations to The Salvation Army play an important role in sustaining the Army's ongoing efforts. By making a monthly contribution, you can help ensure that the organization is able to continue providing critical services and resources to neighbors who are unhoused or in crisis. Your generosity can make a tangible difference in the lives of men who are struggling by providing the vital support and resources necessary to not feel vulnerable or alone in their journey. 

Serving All Without Discrimination

In providing programs and services to members of the community who are unhoused, The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic in accordance with our capacity to help.