Established in 1894, The Salvation Army Yakima Corps is the longest-running nonprofit in the Yakima Valley. We are focused on providing financial, emotional, and spiritual stability for individuals and families. Services include:

 

Hope Market

Client-choice food pantry providing nutritious, culturally appropriate groceries to 90 families every day, at no cost.

 

Pathway of Hope

One-on-one financial and spiritual coaching to help families break the cycle of generational poverty.

Youth-focused programs and assistance

Afterschool activities and tutoring, food for local students, Project 700 clothing giveaway, holiday toy and food distribution and summer camp for underserved youth.

Support for seniors and adaptive adults

Hands-on, enriching, and inclusive programming for elders and those with disabilities.

 

2024 Statistics

21,000 people served, including 4,000 families

15,000 Hope Market grocery orders

21,300 Toys Distributed during the holidays

1,400 Food boxes Distributed during the holidays

Project Vision & Overview

The Salvation Army Yakima Valley is expanding with the opening of a new Yakima Corps Community Center and client-choice food pantry named The Salvation Army Hope Market at 509 N. 4th Street.

The primary 33,000 square-foot facility will house adult, adaptive, senior, and youth programs, including gym activities, after-school care, meal programs, job training, and church services. The annex building will be renovated into The Salvation Army Hope Market and include Pathway of Hope wraparound social services.

The Salvation Army seeks the community’s support to help raise $750,000 to “close the funding gap” to make the Yakima Community Center and Hope Market a reality.

“We are bursting at the seams. Our new location in Yakima will be more accessible and convenient for the diverse clients we serve.” -Salvation Army Yakima Valley Envoy Lisa Sargent

The Need

We see addressing food insecurity as one of the most urgent needs locally and beyond.

Yakima has the most food stamp recipients in Washington state with 24% of residents receiving SNAP benefits.

17% of the Yakima County population lives below the poverty line ($31,160 household income for a family of four).

In 2024, more than 450 families experienced homelessness in Yakima County.

The Hope Market Solution

The Salvation Army is thrilled to provide hope and sustenance through the open doors of The Salvation Army Yakima Hope Market client-choice food pantry.

Guests will shop for food that best meets their dietary and cultural needs at no cost.

Extended hours to allow shopping in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate working families.

One-stop, convenient, and public transportation accessible location.

Gateway to our full gamut of social services, including our Pathway of Hope program which helps families break the cycle of generational poverty and achieve self-sufficiency.

Why donors give to this campaign

Dick Knautz has dedicated the last 50 years of his life in service to The Salvation Army as a board member and volunteer. He supports The Salvation Army in Yakima because he fervently believes in its mission to preach the Gospel, love, and serve all people without discrimination.

“I deeply appreciate The Salvation Army because we come along side people in need, give them a helping hand, hug, and warm meal. It allows me to truly be a disciple of Christ – loving and serving our neighbors,” said Dick.

He is excited to see the new Yakima Valley Community Center and Hope Market project become reality to reach even more people in need. "I believe this new facility will open eyes to all the great work The Salvation Army does in our community. We want to get out and help neighbors from all walks of life. We’re The Salvation Army, and we’re here to serve.”

Healthy Food for All

Elizabeth has spent her entire adult life giving to others, whether it was volunteering in the Hispanic community or fostering her grandchildren. Now as a retired senior on limited income, she relies on The Salvation Army Yakima Hope Market to keep healthy, culturally-relevant food on the table.

“I’m so happy The Salvation Army is getting a new building in Yakima. We will have a lot more space to make it a comfortable experience for everyone.”

Always thinking of others, she looks forward to the opening of the new Hope Market so the employees and other clients feel appreciated and have a more dignified grocery shopping experience.

Project Timeline

• Fall 2025: Begin Construction

• Spring 2026: Construction Complete/Ground Breaking

Project Funding Breakdown

• $2,783,000 - Salvation Army Investment

• $1,487,000 - Anonymous Estate Gift

• $750,000 - Community Funding Request

• $5,020,000 - Project Total

Thank you to the Yakima Valley community for your generous support. Help us “close the gap” to make the new Salvation Army Yakima Valley Community Center and Hope Market a reality!

We need your help to inspire and equip the most vulnerable individuals and families in our community, including youth, seniors and adaptive adults. Help us end hunger and suffering in Yakima! Monetary donations can be made online at Yakima.SalvationArmy.org, scan the QR code below, or call 509-453-3721.

Feeding Families, Restoring Hope

Click here for a pledge form

The Salvation Army Yakima Valley

PO Box 2782 Yakima, WA 98907 | 509.823.1819

Lisa Sargent, Envoy-In-Charge | lisa.sargent@usw.salvationarmy.org

Tax ID: 94-1156347