The Salvation Army of North Texas has seen a significant increase in service demand this summer, with requests ranging from meal distribution to camp tuition assistance. At nine of the organization’s 13 food pantries, first-time visits are up 26% since January, said Christina Cavalier, managing director of the Salvation Army of North Texas.

Increased Demand for Meals and Housing

At the nonprofit’s primary Fort Worth location — the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Social Service Center — food distribution increased from 8,986 meals in May 2025 to 12,164 this past May. Cavalier said the nonprofit always anticipates an increase in demand during the summer, as families whose children are on free and reduced lunches at school now have to feed their children at home.

The nonprofit’s Arlington Family Life Center, a yearlong shelter for families experiencing homelessness, has seen double its usual requests for summer day camp tuition assistance, a seasonal resource provided to local families. Housing needs have also increased, with about 1,300 people sleeping every night in the Salvation Army’s six shelter-designated North Texas locations, including the Mabee Center.

Cooling Centers and Volunteer Support

The Salvation Army has opened 13 cooling centers in five North Texas counties, including three in Tarrant County, to provide relief from the summer heat. The nonprofit triggers heat relief protocol when regional forecasts predict temperatures of 100 degrees or higher for several days, or when the heat index is expected to be higher than 105 degrees for more than two days in a row.

Due to increased need across the board, the Salvation Army is looking for volunteer and financial support. Those interested in volunteering or donating can visit the organization’s website for more information.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.