Serving the Austin community and surrounding areas since 1889, the Salvation Army has become one of the city's largest and oldest charity, according to organization officials.

Wednesday, the Salvation Army invited a small group of community partners for a tour of the women and children’s shelter located at 4523 Tannehill Lane, Austin.

Here are six facts about the services and history of the Salvation Army:
• The Tannehill Lane shelter currently has a waitlist of over 300 women and children
• To meet the need the shelter will expand through renovations to the current facility
• A new facility for women and children, located on the same property, is under construction after breaking ground in June
• The Salvation Army works with clients to achieve self-sufficiency, with a nearly 80 percent success rate in improved employment status and safe housing transitions
• The organization also services Williamson County low-income citizens with utility and rental assistance. A shelter is not currently available in Williamson County.
• The Tannehill Lane shelter includes a learning center, clothing and diaper closet, family-friendly activities, childcare and a dining area

Here are five programs the Salvation Army sponsors:
• Angel Tree: The organization provides low-income and homeless families and children with Christmas gifts
• Camp program: A day camp program is available to children living in the shelter and qualifying children in Williamson County during summer, spring and winter break
• Emergency disaster services: The Salvation Army responds to emergency disasters such as Hurricane Harvey by providing shelter, food and other necessary items and services to survivors
• Rehabilitation program: The Salvation Army's six-month live-in rehab program located on South Congress Avenue is open only to men in Austin and provides spiritual, social, and emotional assistance for those suffering from addiction issues
• Volunteer program: Volunteers are always needed and are required to go through a training program before starting