The Social Work of the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a Christian denominational church and international charitable organization structured in a quasi-military fashion. The organization reports worldwide membership of over 1. 5 million, [1] consisting of soldiers, officers and adherents known as Salvationists. Its founders Catherine and William Booth sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their "physical and spiritual needs". It has a presence in 126 countries, [2] running charity shops, operating shelters for the homeless, and providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid to developing countries.