BART is teaming up with The Salvation Army during its seasonal Red Kettle Campaign with a new “Partners for Change” initiative inside BART stations systemwide. The first of its kind partnership will provide donated funds and paper BART tickets from BART riders to help pay for supportive services for those who seek shelter inside BART stations and on-board trains.

The partnership, which launched December 3, coincides with the Army’s kettle campaign timeframe, which runs from November 22 through December 24.

“Homelessness has become a humanitarian crisis, and nowhere else is the situation as poignant as it is in San Francisco," said Major Darren Norton, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army’s Golden State Division, based in San Francisco.

How it Works
The Salvation Army will position their iconic Red Kettles in the free area of BART stations during the holiday season and collect donations from BART riders. BART will post signs inside stations near the vending machines that give change to encourage riders to donate to help the unhoused who seek shelter at BART. Riders can also donate their paper BART tickets with remaining fare, which will be refunded for cash value. BART has been phasing out paper tickets in favor of Clipper cards.

All donated funds will be used locally. For example, donations collected in San Francisco will go towards services and resources in San Francisco, while donations collected in the East Bay will stay in the East Bay.

The Salvation Army will then work together with BART’s Crisis Intervention Coordinator and homeless outreach teams on distribution of funds for supportive housing, substance abuse treatment, case management, blankets, socks, care packages and other services for unhoused individuals spending their time at BART.

To donate online, The Salvation Army has set up BARTRedKettles.org. Donations will be tracked to determine how much money is raised in the BART system and at each station. BART and The Salvation Army are seeking corporate matches as part of the campaign.

For every dollar donated to The Salvation Army, 82 cents is used to support those services in facilities throughout the Bay Area. For more information go to www.sanfrancisco.salvationarmy.org or www.gosalarmy.org.