In a move signaling its long-term commitment to the issues facing Charlotte, The Salvation Army has announced future plans to significantly increase services for families in need around the Charlotte area. The organization made the announcement last week, at an event attended by members of the national Salvation Army advisory board, nationwide Salvation Army leadership and local community leaders.
Future plans include opening neighborhood Community Centers – either by repurposing existing facilities or building new ones – and constructing a new Center of Hope shelter facility.
“Our vision is to be a catalyst for social, economic and spiritual growth in our community,” said Major Larry Broome, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte. “Through our programs today, and the services we’ll offer tomorrow, we’ll continue to meet human needs by offering hope, promoting dignity and providing opportunity – all in the name of Christ.”
Community Centers will match the needs of the neighborhood and offer services such as Boys & Girls Clubs, health clinics, mental health services, occupational training events, financial literacy classes and senior programs, as well as Bible study and prayer groups.
“We believe the model for combating some of the city’s biggest challenges is to focus on neighborhoods of high need and partner with other nonprofits, corporations and churches to deliver these high-quality programs,” said Broome.
A new Center of Hope facility will offer emergency shelter, transitional housing and support services under one roof, along with increased space for serving intact families, which has traditionally been a gap in the local homeless services network.
“We plan to double down on our efforts to fight homelessness and help families get back on their feet,” added Broome. “This planned Center of Hope facility will allow us to serve more families and serve them better.”
The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte is in the initial phases of the process. It began with a third-party study examining the needs of the community and conducting interviews with key community leaders. This process helped The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte’s leadership determine the strategy moving forward to best serve neighbors in need.
While no new construction projects – or locations – are confirmed today, conversations are moving forward to work with our existing partners and develop new ones in the future to fund these community assets.
More information will be provided as plans progress.