(Champaign, IL) — The Salvation Army has launched a new Veterans Resource Center in Champaign, introducing a community-based model designed to help Illinois veterans navigate the transition back to civilian life at a time when demand for coordinated support remains high statewide.
Illinois is home to more than 600,000 veterans, many of whom face challenges related to housing stability, mental health, and access to consistent support systems after leaving structured programs. Service providers note that one of the most persistent gaps occurs after veterans exit transitional housing and no longer have daily touchpoints or community connections.
The new drop-in center is designed to help address that gap by providing a single, accessible location where veterans can connect with one another while receiving support for mental health care, housing, addiction recovery, employment, transportation, groceries, and utility assistance. At its core, the Veteran Resource Center is designed to ensure that no veteran has to navigate challenges alone by providing a place to find resources, build relationships, and reconnect with community.
“The Salvation Army Veteran Resource Center will be a welcoming, community-based hub designed to support Veterans as they work toward stability, wellness, and long-term success,” said Jennifer Valade, Director of Veteran Services for The Salvation Army. “More than just a place to access services, the Center will serve as a gathering space where Veterans can connect with one another, build supportive relationships, and engage in a community that understands their unique experiences.”
Developed in partnership with a coalition of veteran service providers and community organizations, the center brings together resources that are often fragmented, creating a more coordinated and veteran-centered approach. Leaders say the model has potential to be replicated in other communities across Illinois where similar gaps exist. The initiative builds on The Salvation Army’s 13-year track record of serving veterans in the region, supporting approximately 8,000 individuals to date.
“This is about continuity of care,” said Captain Kenyon Sivels, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army of Champaign County. “We are creating a place where veterans remain connected after leaving a program and continue have opportunities to find support, stability, and community.”
In addition to resource navigation and case management, the Veteran Resource Center will foster a sense of belonging through peer support, group activities, educational workshops, volunteer opportunities, and community events. Veterans will have opportunities to build camaraderie, mentor one another, and strengthen their support networks. Community partners will also provide assistance with housing, employment and career development, VA benefits and claims assistance, healthcare and behavioral health services, financial literacy and budgeting, legal services and advocacy, education and vocational training, transportation resources, and basic needs such as food and clothing.
The Veterans Resource Center officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by dozens of veterans. The launch coincided with National Donut Day, honoring The Salvation Army’s WWI Donut Lassies, with volunteers recreating the original 1917 donut-making tradition.
