The Salvation Army of Savannah (TSA) has been awarded a $500,000 grant through the City of Savannah as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This generous grant will allow TSA to build for the future as it anticipates ongoing increases in a need for its services.

The funds will go towards urgently needed renovations for TSA’s Center of Hope on Montgomery St. This location has not had any upgrades since 1980 and is in a serious condition of disrepair which is impacting on its future as a gathering place and shelter for those most in need. The organization uses this facility to host their social services offices, an overnight and day shelter for homeless families (mostly women and children) and individuals, their Pathway of Hope program that aids men and women who are looking to break the cycle of inter-generational poverty, and their well-renowned 6-month Work Therapy Rehabilitation Program (CSRC) - a free rehabilitation program for people with addiction issues. TSA also offers free weekly health screenings in partnership with J.C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center at this facility.

"This grant gives us the opportunity to make necessary upgrades to the infrastructure of our Center of Hope, and will ensure it runs much more efficiently. This gift is a huge blessing and will allow us to better serve the increased numbers of individuals who are coming through our doors due to the pandemic,” said The Salvation Army of Savannah’s Major Paul Egan. “These funds will go a long way in helping us meet the needs of those that come to us as we strive to continue to help change people’s lives for the better.”

This vital support comes at a challenging time for TSA in Savannah as donation levels are lower than normal and they could see a 50 percent decrease in funds raised nationally this holiday season through their red kettles due to the closing of retail stores, consumers carrying less cash and coins, and the decline in foot traffic. The Salvation Army is providing much needed housing, food, and spiritual and practical care for local individuals and families suffering significant economic and social hardships.

The local nonprofit offers services in adult rehabilitation, basic needs, emergency disaster relief, emergency financial assistance, housing and homeless services, hunger relief, and youth care. Grants like this will help The Salvation Army provide support to those whose wages are gone, those who need food, those who have no place to call home, and many others who desperately need help and hope.

The Salvation Army has served greater Savannah for the past 120 years and has always supported the most vulnerable in our community. Whether the community is affected by COVID-19, hurricanes, floods, fires or the Spanish influenza which impacted the world over a century ago, The Salvation Army continues to serve those who need it the most.  

The Salvation Army serves all 159 counties in Georgia and is uniquely positioned with 40 facilities that provide family emergency and sheltering assistance throughout out the state. TSA’s workers are local and have always been here for the community. In times of disaster, the organization will continue to be the last to leave to offer support and guidance on the front lines. 

To make a monetary donation directly or for more information about The Salvation Army Savannah, please visit https://salvationarmygeorgia.org/savannah/ or call 912-200-3004 and follow the organization via social media.