When you think of The Salvation Army, what comes to mind? For many of us, it’s the sound of a ringing bell and a friendly face next to a red kettle during the Christmas season. It’s a symbol of holiday generosity as we hustle in and out of stores.
But what happens when the bells stop ringing?
Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Major Hank Harwell, a man with 30+ years of service whose warm demeanor and deep passion for our community are immediately apparent. He shared that most people have the same impression. “The Salvation Army does good, they just can’t pinpoint what, exactly,” he explained.
As I learned, the work of The Salvation Army of Rome goes far deeper than a single season. It is a daily, year-round operation of hope and restoration, woven into the very fabric of our community. And right now, during the quiet summer months, is when they need our attention the most.
A Mission to Meet Every Human Need
Major Harwell’s description of their mission is simple but profound: “to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination.” That last part—meeting human needs—is a vast undertaking. When he listed out their services, it became clear why it’s hard to “pinpoint.” They do so much.
Here in Rome and Floyd County, The Salvation Army is working 365 days a year to provide:
- An emergency shelter for men and women, offering a safe place to sleep every single night.
- A daily community dinner, served hot from their shelter to anyone who is hungry, with no questions asked.
- A food pantry to help local families who are struggling to make ends meet.
- Utility and rent assistance to prevent families from losing their homes.
- Disaster relief services: provide food, hydration, and emotional care during crises.
- An overnight summer camp that gives local kids a chance to just be kids.
- And, yes, it’s also a church, with a dedicated congregation and weekly services.
All of this is funded in large part by our donations to and purchases from their Family Store.
“If the Salvation Army were to ever leave Rome, what impact would that have?” Major Harwell asked. “When you think about all the things that we do, you realize it’s a pretty big impact.”
More Than a Handout: Restoring the Whole Person
Perhaps the most powerful part of our conversation was learning how they help. It’s not about putting a “Band-Aid on a situation,” as Major Harwell puts it. Their goal is to treat the whole person, addressing the root causes of their struggle to help them find a path forward.
He shared an incredible story about a man in their shelter, a house painter by trade who lost everything after developing cataracts, leaving him unable to see, work, or drive.
Major Harwell recalled that the man was spiraling down, losing his job, home, and car. However, he met with their case management specialist, who secured him an appointment for cataract surgery. To see him light up with excitement, realizing that things were working out and going to be better, was incredibly rewarding.
This is their philosophy in action: providing the tools and support to restore not just stability, but dignity and hope.
The Summer Struggle is Real
Here is the urgent truth: while our community’s generosity overflows at Christmas, the need never takes a summer vacation. In fact, summer is the most financially challenging time for The Salvation Army.
“We need it more in the summer than we do in the winter,” Major Harwell stated frankly. “Right now, it is very tight financially for us. I’ve never been somewhere where we have been this tight financially.”
While the community is generous, the visibility just isn’t there during these warmer months. The funds raised during Christmas have to stretch all the way through the fiscal year, which ends in September, and it’s a struggle to keep the lights on, the staff paid, and all of their vital programs running.
How You Can Be Part of the Solution
So, what can we do? Major Harwell’s advice is simple and empowering, inspired by the story of Moses when God told him to take the staff he had in his hand and lay it on the ground, and it turned into a snake, God didn’t need Moses to posses something elaborate: just use what you have in your hand. You don’t have to have a lot of money to make a huge difference.
Here are some practical ways you can support The Salvation Army of Rome right now:
- Your Time: Volunteer to sort goods at the food pantry, pack food bags for families, or answer phones in the office. Even an hour makes an impact.
- Your Skills: Can you play an instrument? They need music education volunteers. Are you good with kids? They’d love help restarting their youth programs.
- Your Donations: Clean out your closets! Gently used, sellable clothes, furniture, and household items are the lifeblood of their Family Store. Your donations become the funding for everything else.
- Your Influence: The easiest one of all. Tell your friends and family about their year-round work. Share this blog post. Follow them on Facebook: The Salvation Army Rome Family Store, Help them stay on our community’s radar when the bells aren’t ringing.
- Your Change: Of course, financial donations are always needed, especially now. And when Christmas rolls around, consider signing up your church group, office, or family to “ring the bell” for an hour. The more volunteers they have, the more funds go directly to the programs.
The Salvation Army is a pillar of compassion in Rome, working quietly but powerfully every single day. Let’s make sure they know our support is as constant as their service.
To volunteer, donate, or learn more, you can contact The Salvation Army of Rome at (706) 291-4745 or visit them at 317 E 1st Ave, Rome, GA 30161.
For more non-profits in Rome, Georgia check out When In Rome, Ga Non-Profits In Rome.
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