We all witness the Salvation Army’s presence during the holidays. But the organization’s reach has a profound impact on Silicon Valley’s neighborhoods and communities throughout the year.
Great volunteers are everywhere throughout the Bay Area.
San Francisco native Floyd Kvamme, a longtime Salvation Army Golden State Division (goldenstate.salvationarmy.org) donor, has a lifelong commitment to the organization and its singular mission of helping those in need. The bell ringers will be out in force during the holidays, but many typically wonder how the charity works throughout the year to improve the lives of the needy in the Bay Area. Here, Kvamme discusses everything from the region’s housing issue to acts of giving regularly.
How did you get involved with the Salvation Army?
I was born and raised in San Francisco, but my parents were from Norway. Our church had a relationship with the Salvation Army, and the grandson of the organization’s founder came by one time to chat with us. He was such a fascinating guy—a very vivacious Englishman, and he caught my attention.
The next year, my brother and I went to Norway, and we met a group from what they call a Frozen Army, which is the Norwegian Salvation Army. I was hooked on helping. Over the years, I would participate and hope that we were on the right track toward making the lives of people infinitely better.
What would you tell people about the organization’s mission that might surprise them?
Everyone knows the bell ringers. We’re helping the needy, immigrants and people just down on their luck or whatever hardship arises.
But in places like Silicon Valley, we’re providing habitat for people, especially women who are experiencing homelessness. In the past, men were the ones receiving most of this help. Now, unfortunately, we are really helping entire families—women and children.
Great volunteers are everywhere throughout the Bay Area.
When I see the red kettles and the red shield logo, I think of the Salvation Army as the ultimate philanthropic brand—even though I hate to use that word for charity. Actually, it’s a good word. I hadn’t thought of it that way. But you’re absolutely right. It works.
It’s also an organization that seems, at least to me, absent of any major controversy, yes?
You’re right—our straightforward approach to giving and charity are the big appeal. The organization has kept itself free of controversy, and its message has remained very clear: We help people, and we go about doing it steadfastly and consistently.
Of course, Silicon Valley is known for its wealth, but there’s also great need in our community too.
The data tells the story. There’s a rising need for help here. There are more people experiencing homelessness, and, candidly, I’m embarrassed by it happening in our region. These aren’t people who are lazy. Many are good people who’ve simply hit the skids and need a hand up.
Youth volunteers continue to support charitable efforts in the region.
Many of us give during the holidays, but how do you sustain this charitable notion throughout the year?
Frankly, it’s hard. People need to eat every day—three times a day. And that requires a lot of organization, and you always need it to be as regimented as the Salvation Army. Our work never ends, because the need never ends. That’s the message.
A teen volunteers for a school supply effort.
How does charitable giving become part of a lifestyle, much in the same way as personal fitness?
We encourage donors and volunteers to pass along their gifts of money and time monthly or for a giving period. Many make a decision to give during the Christmas season, as it’s at a time when you expect it, but it’s a true gift to give 12 times a year. It becomes just part of life.
San Francisco native Floyd Kvamme is a longtime Salvation Army Golden State Division donor.
What should be a key takeaway about the Golden State Salvation Army?
The magnitude of the need. When people hear how many in their community are getting into difficult situations on a daily basis, they can’t believe it. Just think about housing prices here in Silicon Valley. How do we solve that problem? Salvation Army volunteers are willing to get involved in providing the essentials: food, clothing and shelter.
Providing shelter is something I’m the most excited about. We’re working on a housing project—on property we own—that will provide shelter for longer periods of time than just overnight. There hasn’t been any local resistance to the project, because people know, including those on planning commissions, that the leadership and volunteers with Salvation Army will do what they say they’re going to do in a specific time frame. It’s the foundation of our success.
Photography by: COURTESY OF SALVATION ARMY GOLDEN STATE DIVISION
