Sal Army Thrift - History of...

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Welcome
ARC Programs

The SEMI ARC is more than work therapy. We offer GED Programs, transitional housing and much more. Find out more within our site.
Thrift Stores

We're not your mother's 'rag store' anymore. We offer over 3,000 new high quality, low cost items every day.
Upcoming Events

Not just sales, we also have ARC Family events, donation drives and more fun events. Plan ahead and join in the fun.
Need Assistance

If you find yourself in need, The Salvation Army has programs to help.
Bills, Food, Shelter and more are available at no cost.
Please Donate

The SEMI ARC offers all of our programing to those in need free of charge through your kind donations.

Quick FYI

Want to plan ahead? Stop by our Calendar of Events to see upcoming Store Promotions, Donation Drives in your area or ARC Family events that are planned. This calendar also includes a link for the event coordinator if you have any questions about the event.

ARC Singers

All of the male vocalists of the group and 3 of the band members were once trapped in the bondage of drug and alcohol addiction. All have come through the Adult Rehabilitation Program, and by the Grace of God have maintained years of sobriety. Our only female member comes to us by virtue of being married to one of the male members for over 20 years. She never had a substance abuse problem. But her testimony is just as powerful as any other group member. The group consists of 7 vocalists, 5 band members, 1 director, and our group chaplain. We are all natives of Detroit, Michigan and for the last 12 years we have been traveling all over the country carrying the message of the Gospel through song. For truly we know by our own experiences that Jesus Saves.

Featured Focus

It's My Michigan Member Discount!

Good at all SEMI ARC locations.
Starting Monday, July 5th 2010.
Just show your card to the cashier.
Get 10% Off all regular priced items, including New Goods!
New Member info available at each location.
For more details on It's My Michigan, click here.

Log In & Join Site

Having difficulty finding how to join or sign into the site? Click the little button in the top right of the site that says MEMBER LOGIN and then click REGISTER or sign in.

After registering, a conformation email will be sent to you. You will need to follow the enclosed instructions in that email before your account will be valid.

As a member, you will receive notices about upcoming sale promotions, Family ARC activities and exclusive 'members only' online promotions are just a few of the perks for joining our site! You may also leave your comments on the stories within our site. We want to hear what you have to say.

Thank You

Last year the ARC Provided essential services including 343,632 meals, 98,208 nights lodging, 78,238 counseling sessions, 43,806 worship/Christian education sessions, and served 1,919 individuals in residence.

All of us here would like to extend a very heart felt thank you to everyone who has donated and shopped at our stores. The programs that are offered by The Salvation Army are available free of charge because of the funds generated at our stores from your donations. Our stores are also the locations that provide materials for those whom have found themselves in need of furniture, clothing or appliances also free of charge. Please see our Assistance Programs for more details.

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History of...

SEMI ARC

The Salvation Army began its work in Detroit in 1887. Records from the Army’s historical archives show the Adult Rehabilitation Center began here with just 4 wagons in 1895. Spurred on by tremendous need and generosity of the community, the A.R.C. grew rapidly in its first few decades of operation. By the 1950’s the center was a huge enterprise, serving hundreds of men each year from a location at 1220 West Lafayette Boulevard.

The A.R.C. moved to its present location in 1972 after acquiring and renovating the former Coe Terminal Warehouse at 1627 W. Fort Street.

In 2003, the Detroit A.R.C. and Pontiac A.R.C. merged to create the Southeast Michigan A.R.C. with a goal of even greater service to the community. In 2004, The Salvation Army made the commitment to keep the A.R.C. in Detroit by undertaking a $24 million building transformation aimed at providing new facilities, better programs, and a better overall atmosphere to aid the healing process.

Completed in January 2007, the 355,000 square foot facility accommodates 300 beneficiaries and incorporates state-of-the-art technology for food service, donation process, store operations, work training and more.

In 2009, the ARC has started steps to provide a 50 bed Woman's Program. More details will be announced as the program comes closer to reality.

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The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army began in 1865 when William Booth, a London minister, gave up the comfort of his pulpit and decided to take his message into the streets where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute.

His original aim was to send converts to established churches of the day, but soon he realized that the poor did not feel comfortable or welcome in the pews of most of the churches and chapels of Victorian England. Regular churchgoers were appalled when these shabbily dressed, unwashed people came to join them in worship.

Booth decided to found a church especially for them — the East London Christian Mission. The mission grew slowly, but Booth's faith in God remained undiminished.

In May of 1878, Booth summoned his son, Bramwell, and his good friend George Railton to read a proof of the Christian Mission's annual report. At the top it read: THE CHRISTIAN MISSION is A VOLUNTEER ARMY. Bramwell strongly objected to this wording. He was not a volunteer: he was compelled to do God's work. So, in a flash of inspiration, Booth crossed out "Volunteer" and wrote "Salvation". The Salvation Army was born.

By the 1900s, the Army had spread around the world. The Salvation Army soon had officers and soldiers in 36 countries, including the United States of America. This well-organized yet flexible structure inspired a great many much-needed services: women's social work, the first food depot, the first day nursery and the first Salvation Army missionary hospital. During World War II, The Salvation Army operated 3,000 service units for the armed forces, which led to the formation of the USO.

Today, The Salvation Army is stronger and more powerful than ever. Now, in over 106 nations around the world, The Salvation Army continues to work where the need is greatest, guided by faith in God and love for all people.