The Herberger Silvercrest Apts

Pros

• Kendra was described as pleasant and making the process simple, while making them feel valued.
• Salvation Army paid the past-due electric bill, restoring power and providing relief.
• The staff were described as courteous and compassionate.
• The reviewer would recommend Salvation Army for temporary utility assistance.
• The organization helped them avoid sleeping on the streets, providing safety and stability.
• They have consistently been treated well by The Salvation Army Corps Centers they've visited.
• The program was described as very good help for people who need it.

Cons

• The staff were rude.
• The food was over four years old and moldy.
• The meat was always undercooked.
• An older cafeteria worker was described as the worst.
• She removed them from the list after they reported food poisoning.
• The room inspection was failed near the end despite usually passing.
• Rules were used as a power trip near the end of someone's stay.
• The reviewer plans to file a grievance and will never return.
• The reviewer warns others not to come.
• There is frequent confrontation with a case manager.
• They had to switch them because it became very bad with one case manager.
• They would rather sleep in a dumpster than return.

Review

A broad chorus of voices emerges from these community notes, painting a picture of The Salvation Army centers that is at once hopeful and harsh, uplifting and bruising. On one end of the spectrum are stories of relief and gratitude: families and individuals who found a lifeline in utility assistance, food boxes, and a place to land during unstable times. On the other end are experiences of frustration, fear, and disappointment - where customers felt disrespected by staff, questioned about basic needs, or met with conditions that seemed to contradict the very mission of support these centers promise. Taken together, the remarks reveal a complex landscape where mercy and miscommunication collide, and where a few kind acts can stand in sharp relief against moments of cold or blunt service.

Several reviews center on the practical help that can be truly life-changing when it arrives at the right moment. In one standout case, a family facing a temporary financial crisis saw their past-due electric bill paid in full. The person who assisted - named Kendra - was described as pleasant and approachable, making the process feel straightforward and human. The appreciation extended beyond the financial relief to a sense of being valued as people, not just numbers or a problem to solve. The testimonial ends with a heartfelt thank-you and an explicit recommendation to others in need of temporary utility assistance, highlighting the organization's potential to stabilize households during medical or income interruptions. It's a vivid counterpoint to the more punitive or procedural experiences described elsewhere.

Counterbalancing that warmth are accounts that focus on negative interpersonal experiences with staff. Some callers report being treated with rudeness or impatience on the phone, with one person even hanging up after a perceived hostile tone and a lack of basic courtesy - no "good morning" or warm greeting. Others recount tense exchanges with frontline workers that felt more like power plays than supportive outreach, including a receptionist who argued over affectionate language and refused to transfer calls to other staff. These interactions left some individuals feeling dismissed or demeaned, which can compound the stress of seeking help in vulnerable moments.

Food and housing services also attracted strong reactions. A number of testimonials describe alarming concerns about food quality and safety - claims that food boxes contained items that were moldy or stale, that meat was undercooked, or that the overall supply was insufficient or not aligned with claimed offerings. One near-universal complaint is that women or men seeking basic meals and pantry staples encountered anger or contempt rather than assistance, with a particularly troubling note about a cafeteria worker who appeared unsympathetic or obstructive. The sense of fear or distrust deepened when a participant reported being taken off a waiting list after voicing concerns about food safety. The feeling that rules and checklists sometimes overshadowed compassion is echoed in comments about room inspections and a late-stage "power trip" around the time of someone's planned departure, undermining the dignity of residents in what should be a transitional moment.

Amid these tensions, there are clear stories of resilience and positive transformation. A recurrent theme is the impact of simple, respectful human contact from staff who listen, explain options, and honor the dignity of those in need. The phrase "made the entire process simple" appears in one glowing account, underscoring how a structured aid program can feel navigable when staff treat applicants with courtesy and kindness. Other testimonials celebrate the reliability and friendliness of the center's team, with phrases like "Nice service and support," and "Great people! I'm so glad to be part of a community of people who serve others." Even while acknowledging red tape or strict rules, these voices emphasize the importance of empathy and steady help in maintaining trust.

There are also pointed reminders that experiences are not uniform. Some reviews describe resources that felt insufficient or unevenly distributed, with references to food boxes that arrived with cookies and bread but not the hoped-for variety, or to a climate of greater restriction than some expect from charity organizations. A few critics even contend that donated funds may not be used as intended, presenting a suspicion of misallocation that adds another layer of doubt for people already navigating stressful circumstances. There are mentions of feeling treated like a problem rather than a person, including accounts of being told there isn't enough funding to help, or of staff who appeared overly rigid or critical when residents sought a little extra courtesy or flexibility.

Across the spectrum of experiences, one recurring thread is the human impact of shelter and support programs - the way acts of kindness, or the lack thereof, ripple through people's lives. Some reviewers describe a sense of gravity and gratitude for a system that can, at its best, provide a bridge back to security: a moment when someone like Kendra steps in and makes a difficult situation manageable, or when a community rally through a Christmas program or "angel tree" effort demonstrates a shared investment in each other's welfare. Others convey disappointment that the organization's strength or generosity is sometimes undermined by interactions that feel transactional or dismissive, leaving lasting impressions of frustration or distrust.

In the end, the collection reveals a dual truth: these Salvation Army centers are capable of delivering critical support that can steady families in crisis and restore hope, while also being imperfect institutions where communication gaps, rigid procedures, and uneven staff experiences can shade the services with negativity. The best narratives remind us that every interaction matters - that a kind greeting, a patient explanation, and a genuine listening ear can transform an encounter from a setback into a turning point. And the harsher stories serve as a call to continually align practice with mission, ensuring that dignity, compassion, and practical aid go hand in hand for all who seek help.

This part of Phoenix, Arizona offers a convenient location with easy access to several hospitals, medical centers, and pharmacies, making it an ideal choice for senior living. The proximity to healthcare facilities such as Arizona State Hospital and Maricopa Medical Center provides peace of mind in case of any medical emergencies. Additionally, the area is well-equipped with transportation options including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and rental car services. Nearby restaurants like Wren House Brewing Company and Taco Boys offer dining options close by, while cafes such as Starbucks and Songbird Coffee & Tea House provide relaxing spots to enjoy a cup of coffee. Places of worship like Roosevelt Community Church and parks like Margaret T. Hance Park offer opportunities for spiritual fulfillment and outdoor activities. Overall, this part of Phoenix provides a convenient and comfortable living environment for seniors looking for a well-rounded community.

Hospitals

• Arizona State Hospital (0.2 miles)
• Maricopa Medical Center (0.5 miles)
• Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix (2.2 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital & Med Center: Deguzman Brian J MD (3.8 miles)
• St Josephs Neurological ICU (3.9 miles)
• Carl T Hayden VA Medical Center, Recreation Therapy (4 miles)

Transportation

• Airport Rent-A-Car (0.4 miles)
• Delta SkyClub (1.3 miles)
• Terminal 3 (1.4 miles)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) (1.4 miles)
• Concourse A (1.6 miles)
• Admirals Club (1.6 miles)
• Admirals Club (1.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Wren House Brewing Company (1.5 miles)
• Taco Boys (2.4 miles)
• Whataburger (2.5 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• Crown Public House (2.6 miles)
• Blanco Block 23 (2.7 miles)
• Sazerac PHX (2.7 miles)

Physicians

• Banner Family Medicine Center (2.1 miles)
• Null (3.2 miles)
• SimonMed Imaging - Phoenix (3.2 miles)
• Arizona Eye Specialists (3.6 miles)
• Dignity Health Peppertree Family Medicine (4 miles)
• Momdoc-Women for Women (4.6 miles)
• Keystone Natural Family Medicine (4.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Arizona Center 24 (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Songbird Coffee & Tea House (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Futuro (2.8 miles)
• Spoonz Cafe (2.9 miles)
• Fair Trade Cafe (3 miles)
• Lola Coffee (3.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Roosevelt Community Church (2.8 miles)
• Primera Iglesia United Methodist Church (2.9 miles)

Parks

• Margaret T. Hance Park (3.1 miles)
• Blue Sky Airport Parking (3.3 miles)
• Encanto Park (4 miles)
• Tempe Beach Park (4.9 miles)