Salvation Army prepares for summer heat for the unhoused

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) -The Salvation Army is one of the overnight shelters in Charlottesville. Every spring, PACEM closes its shelters, and The Salvation Army prepares for this every summer.

“There has been an increase of individuals coming into our shelter. This is kind of normal. Last week we were at full capacity on both the men and women side. This week we’re running about 90%,” Salvation Army Captain Mark Van Meter said.

He expects a busy summer.

“We kind of know how to get ready and prepare. And we’ve been having meetings and preparing for these instances for months now,” Captain Van Meter said.

Charlottesville City Hall is also planning for better solutions for those who are unhoused. It will not happen quickly.

“This is a long-term problem that requires some long-term solutions. And unfortunately, that takes time. But the city is working and continuing to work as we have been actively with our community partners to make sure that we can get some solutions eventually,” Charlottesville’s Afton Schneider said.

One of those solutions right now, is the high barrier shelter at the Salvation Army. Its goal is to get people off the streets and into permanent housing.

“We have seen anywhere between seven and 10 individuals monthly leaving our shelter into full housing, stabilizing their income, getting connected with families and really rebuilding the rhythms that they need to be productive members in our community,” Captain Van Meter said.

One long term goal by the Salvation Army is a new facility with more than one-hundred beds. It’ has currently raised about 18% of its goal.

“The new facility once we get money raised and build the building will have seven transitional apartments. And our feeding program will go from about 60 seats every meal to approximately 115 seats every meal. Last year, we did 59,000 meals total here at the Salvation Army. And in the new facility, we expect to be able to serve approximately 110,000,” Captain Van Meter said.

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