Salvation Army of McAllen Seeks Community Support to Prevent Family Evictions
The Salvation Army of McAllen is making an urgent appeal for donations to sustain its critical program designed to assist families facing eviction. This initiative, which provided assistance to 82 families in 2024, has depleted its funds, throwing many South Texas families back into uncertainty.
Summary of the Situation
The Salvation Army of McAllen has long been a pillar of support for families in financial distress. As cost-of-living increases strain budgets, more Valley residents are at risk of eviction. These economic pressures underscore the need for community intervention to curb homelessness and maintain stability for families on the brink.
According to Commanding Officer Frankie Zuniga, the organization served 82 families last year with $78,000 from local government and FEMA. However, those funds are exhausted, and with escalating demand, the program requires a new source of support. “When it comes to the end of the month, and they don’t have the rent, they get evicted,” Zuniga stated, highlighting the harsh realities faced by local families.
The Program’s Local Impact
The funds previously secured by the Salvation Army of McAllen from McAllen, Hidalgo County, and FEMA have played a crucial role in housing security in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). This issue’s local impact can’t be overstated, as securing housing is pivotal to overall community well-being.
Valley residents benefit from this program’s ability to avert eviction and provide immediate respite through food and temporary shelter. Its continuance is thus vital for maintaining social stability and preventing a surge in homelessness, which can have long-term consequences on families and public services in the RGV.
Recipients’ Stories
Many who have been assisted by the program emphasize its transformative impact. Maria Gonzalez, a single mother from McAllen, recalls her experience of near-eviction following a job loss. “Without the Salvation Army, my children and I would have been out on the street. Their help allowed us to get back on our feet,” she shared. Such accounts reflect the broader challenges faced by families throughout South Texas.
Current Economic Challenges
The urgency of this donation drive is compounded by broader economic challenges affecting RGV residents. Rising rents, coupled with escalating costs of essentials, leave many families with difficult monthly financial decisions. Additionally, the recent end of a USDA program providing aid to food banks further exacerbates resource scarcity, sparking concerns among local officials about augmented food insecurity.
Dr. Lisette Ruiz, an economist at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), assesses these developing concerns. “When households pay more than 30% of their income on rent, other necessities—such as food, education, and health care—may become unaffordable,” Ruiz explains, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policy responses to sustain local support networks.
Efforts to Replenish Program Funds
Facing depleted funds, the Salvation Army is reaching out to the McAllen community for contributions to restore this essential service. Civic goodwill is key to raising the necessary $78,000 to continue aiding those who cannot meet rising housing costs.
Salvation Army officials expect governmental and private partnerships to provide sustainable funds while actively seeking donations from community members; Zuniga asserts that any community support will make a difference. “Funds are depleted, funds are gone,” Zuniga commented, reminding local citizens of the collective responsibility to contribute.
Those wishing to support can send a check to The Salvation Army of McAllen: P.O. Box #4766, McAllen, TX 78504.
Call to Action
Residents across South Texas are invited to directly respond to this pressing need by donating. As households delicately balance their finances, neighbors with the ability to do so are encouraged to offer assistance to stave off a homelessness crisis.
Meanwhile, local businesses and non-profits partnering with The Salvation Army can provide in-kind services or facilitate fundraising efforts, reinforcing resilient structures that enable ongoing community support through turbulent economic times.
The wider Rio Grande Valley stands before a decisive moment. As Valley residents rally and mobilize aid to those vulnerable to eviction, they contribute not simply to a singular program’s continuation but to a communal sense of security and hope—a cornerstone of ensuring South Texas’ vibrant and flourishing future.
