This year the Red Shield Appeal is focusing on homelessness and The Salvation Army is asking the community to help end homelessness now through making a donation.

There are more than 105,000 people in Australia who currently don’t have a secure and safe place to live.

The annual push raises money for a range of vital services across the country, and $9000 is expected to be raised in the Yass Valley.

The Red Shield Appeal have continued support by Westpac Bank, who provide volunteer and banking assistance.

Salvation Army spokesman, Major Bruce Harmer, says the money raised from the Red Shield Doorknock, now in its 51st year, will help finance The Salvation Army's vast network of high quality social services.

“The Salvation Army has always been there to support people in need, whether it's through our recovery programs for people suffering from addictions, emergency relief for victims in times of crisis, financial counselling for families in poverty or accommodation support for victims of abuse and homeless persons." Major Harmer said,

“Our services are wide ranging and the Red Shield Doorknock ensures that we can continue to address the underlying factors that affect the most vulnerable and marginalised people in society and help them get back on their feet."

The Salvation Army is calling on Australians everywhere to participate in the Red Shield Doorknock. 

Major Harmer says The Salvation Army would not be able to deliver its high quality services without the support of the Australian public.

"For the Doorknock to be successful The Salvation Army needs the support of thousands of people across the country," he said.

"By giving just a few hours of your time or donating financially to the Red Shield Doorknock, you can help The Salvation Army provide assistance to Australians doing it tough and give hope to where it's needed most this year."

To participate call 13 SALVOS (137 258) or register online at salvos.org.au/volunteer.

You can donate to the Red Shield Doorknock by calling 13 SALVOS (137 258), online at salvos.org.au, in person at any Westpac branch or by posting your cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.