The State of our Communities Report 2023

Executive Summary

The State of Our Communities 2023 (SOOC23) marks the sixth such report published by the Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit (SPPU) of The Salvation Army (TSA). The origins of the SOOC23 initiative trace back to community surveys initiated in the early 1900s, where church members conducted comprehensive surveys to identify both social and spiritual needs within their communities. Many of our current social services have their roots in these early surveys. Over 150 years later, our core mission remains unchanged: to care for people, transform lives and reform society through God, in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit’s power. SOOC23 serves as a snapshot of this mission, offering a platform to document and share the narratives, obstacles, solutions and aspirations of local communities.

Read more in the attached report below.