New Start for Salvation Army Shelter Destroyed by Tornado
Thad Hicks | thad_hicks@uss.salvationarmy.org
TUSCALOOSA, AL (09/10/14) - The groundbreaking for The Salvation Army's new Tuscaloosa shelter was recently held at the intersection of Greensboro Avenue and 29th Street in Tuscaloosa, AL. The former shelter at that location was destroyed in an April 2011 tornado.
Plans for the shelter call for it to have 73 beds. There will also be a safe room where the community can take shelter in cases of severe weather. Area Salvation Army administrator, Major Pam Moretz advised that they were planning for the future and that there is room for the shelter to grow, as well as areas for specific groups. The shelter will be equipped with specific areas for families, singles, and even an area dedicated specifically to veterans.
A recent study commissioned by The Salvation Army revealed around 400 people in the Tuscaloosa area without homes. The Tuscaloosa Salvation Army’s goal is to have the new shelter open by August 2015.
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.