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For Immediate Release
Contact: Barbara Kauss (209) 577-5275
No. 06-088
July 11, 2006
Salvation Army Receives $1 Million for Shelter
The Salvation Army’s Emergency Shelter received $1 million in Proposition 46 funds. The awards were distributed among 42 counties to provide housing opportunities for more than 11, 397 of California’s hardworking families and neediest residents. Proposition 46 is the $2.1 billion housing bond approved by voters in November 2002.
As a Housing and Community Development program, the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter was able to participate in the grant process through the Emergency Housing Assistance Program – Capital Development Component.
“The citizens of Modesto are coming together to solve community issues through a community based private-public partnership,” said Mayor Jim Ridenour. “The only way we will successfully overcome issues like homelessness is by working together to take action and get things done.”
The $1 million will aid in renovating the temporary homeless shelter and adding capabilities for transitional housing, shower facilities, a dining hall and washing facilities for guests at the shelter to launder their clothing. The renovation of the shelter and addition of services is subject to approval of a conditional use permit by the City of Modesto.
“The support from the community bears witness to the fact that we want what is best for the less fortunate members of our community,” said Councilmember Janice Keating. “We hope that the services provided by the Salvation Army are the answer to their prayers. We are blessed to have the support of the State of California.”
For the past three years, the City of Modesto has declared a winter shelter emergency and has directed funds for the purpose of sheltering homeless people. The Salvation Army has received Community Development Block Grant and Emergency Shelter Grant funds to help in providing winter shelter services.
“Our goal is to provide services sufficient to house those who need a hand, but also to create opportunities for our clients to make the transition to a job and permanent housing,” said Major Mike Dickinson. “Transitional housing will increase our ability to move more people into a position where they can be self sufficient.”
“This demonstrates to the community that we will seek to maximize funding opportunities and capital development efforts from a variety of sources,” said Patty Stone, board chair of the Salvation Army. “We are close to our goal but will still need the help of the community to push us over the top.”
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P.O. Box 642, Modesto, CA 95353