The Salvation Army

MODESTO -- Lorraine Cordell, 49, says she's an Air Force veteran who ended up being nearly homeless after a nervous breakdown and found her way to the Salvation Army shelter. "I never made it to the street so I was very lucky," she said. "Here I attend counseling. I go to workshops called life skills where they teach you how to live once you leave. They teach you how to live in communities, which a lot of people don't know how to do."

Cordell, above, said she had been isolated and withdrawn so long she forgot how to make friends. But she's learning how at the shelter, befriending both men and women.

"That's been one of the benefits of the program." she said. "I've been learning how to be human again." The Salvation Army of Modesto provides year-round shelter for the homeless — 100 individuals during winter months, 30 during the summer and spring months.

Address: 625 I Street, Modesto, 95354

Phone number: (209) 522-3209

Web site: www.salvationarmymodesto.org and www.redshieldmodesto.org

Services provided:

• Year-round shelter for homeless — 100 people during winter months and 30 during the summer and spring.

• Transitional living for 40.

• Utility assistance.

• Yearly food boxes.

• Toys for children and food baskets for families during the holiday season.

• Childcare.

• Children's recreational and character building programs at the Salvation Army Red Shield Center.

• Hot meals for those in need at lunchtime Monday through Friday.

How we help those in need:

12,922 individuals (duplicated) per month.

Generally, our clients are those individuals who have exhausted all other resources and come to The Salvation Army as a last resort.

How a $10 donation can help:

1. Food and shelter for one homeless person per night.

2. Feed four hungry people at noon meal.

3. Food box for a family of three.

4. Provide a toy for a child at Christmas

$25 donation:

1. Personal hygiene products for shelter clients.

2. Coats for three children.

3. Annual membership at Red Shield for two seniors.

$50 donation:

1. Feed and shelter five people per night.

2. Feed 20 people at noon meal.

3. Annual membership at Red Shield for three young adults.

$100 donation:

1. Shelter for five nights for a transitional living client.

2. Electrical needs for sheltering 100 clients per night.

Volunteer update:

We need volunteers. Call (209) 522-3209.