Red Shield Appeal
Homelessness is much more than meets the eye. In fact, it’s largely hidden. For every person experiencing homelessness you can see, there are 13 more that you can’t see. As more people face financial instability, job losses, and other fallouts from COVID-19 and recent natural disasters, the rate of homelessness and housing insecurity increases. The Salvos have walked alongside Australians in crisis for over 140 years, but we need your help to continue to reach the new and hidden faces of homelessness.
That’s why this year’s Red Shield Appeal is more important than ever. Together, let’s leave no one in need.
The Red Shield Appeal helped give Megan and her daughter a new beginning
Living in her car with her daughter, Megan was full of guilt and feeling broken. When Megan courageously asked the Salvos for help, she started to heal and find hope.
Read Megan's story
Digital Doorknock with the Salvos
Our Red Shield Appeal will be looking different this year, and we will need your support more than ever. We are launching an exciting digital campaign that you can get involved with right now.
Get involved
Giving hope to people experiencing homelessness
We believe everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home. Every year, the Salvos help nearly 300,000 people through our Specialist Homelessness Services.
Read moreOur Stories
When others need hope
The Red Shield Appeal gives hope to many who need it when the going gets tough.
Safe haven for Melbourne’s most vulnerable
Project 614 is changing lives every day. It is a place where everyone is welcome and accepted.
A “good place to be” for young people in crisis
For over 40 years, Tranmere (T) Street has been helping young people needing refuge unlock their potential and have a better life than they ever expected.
Helping people take charge of their lives again
A supported accommodation service in Cairns helps people experiencing long-term homelessness heal from their instability, brokenness and social isolation.
Red Shield Appeal FAQ
The Red Shield Appeal is run over the months of April, May and June each year, with traditionally the national doorknock taking place on the last weekend in May.
This year, in line with health guidelines, The Salvation Army will be collecting in the community, doorknocking in some locations and using online fundraising. Learn more about our Digital Doorknock.
The Red Shield Appeal is The Salvation Army's signature fundraising drive which helps fund our vast network of social and community services.
The Red Shield Appeal began in 1965 and is promoted under our most recognisable symbol – the red shield. Each year, The Salvation Army appeals to the Australian community for donations to ensure we can give hope where it is needed most through our social welfare and community service programs.
Vulnerable Australians rely on these programs every day. Our services range from providing shelter for the homeless, assisting families in crisis through practical support and financial counselling, to guiding people with addictions through to a clean, healthy lifestyle.
The appeal kicks off with official launch events around the country where corporate and community leaders are invited to be our partners in mission.
You can donate to the Red Shield Appeal, or you can become a digital doorknocker by asking your friends and colleagues to donate.
Red Shield Appeal funds help The Salvation Army deliver the following social services:
- Family welfare assistance
- Refuge for women and children in crisis
- Homeless shelters
- Youth drop-in centres and support programs
- Emergency and disaster relief
- Drug and alcohol rehabilitation
- Employment training programs
- Rural and outback chaplains
- Prison chaplains
- Chaplains to emergency service personnel
Using money raised through the Red Shield Appeal, across Australia each year, The Salvation Army provides*:
- Assistance to 41,000 clients, through our Specialist Homelessness Services
- More than 1.5 million meals to people accessing homelessness services
- Support to 39,000 households affected by disaster situations, such as floods, bushfires and drought in 2019/20 (amount varies year to year)
- More than 43,000 sessions of care to women and their children experiencing family and domestic violence
- More than 53,000 financial counselling sessions through Moneycare services
*The Salvation Army Australia, Service and Mission Information System, July 2019–June 2020