21 January 2013

The Salvation Army is expanding its facility and services in Bremerton. A new building is planned, including a hygiene center and new Corps Community Center. 

An announcement event will be held on Sunday, January 27, at the Norm Dicks Government Center in Bremerton. Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Adrian and Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent will attend the event to announce the project and fundraising.  

The project, scheduled to begin construction in 2013, is in its final phase of fundraising. To date, 85% of the cost has been contributed by local donors and funding agencies. "We've received several generous gifts from leaders in the Kitsap community during the last year," said Major Doug Tollerud, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army in the Northwest. "Now, we need just a bit more to make the new building a reality."

Sunday's celebration event will begin at 1pm at the Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 6th Street. Major Doug Tollerud, and Majors James and Marcia Baker (Bremerton Corps Officers) will join Adrian, Mayor Lent, and members of the Kitsap community to announce the project. Light refreshments will be served, and Adrian will be available for photographs. At 2:30pm, all guests are invited to the new building location (832 6th Street) for a ceremonial groundbreaking.

The Bremerton project includes a renovation of the current building (built in 1965) on 6th Avenue, with a new building adjacent to it. A portion of the current facility, built in 1943, will be torn down.

The overall space of the new facility will be 16,000 square feet (increased from 8,000 square feet). The facility will include renovated kitchen and dining hall for community meals, food and clothing banks, a hygiene center (shower and laundry facilities for our homeless neighbors), case worker offices and class rooms, and a church for Sunday services. "We've simply outgrown our current building," said Major James Baker. "The need is great in our community, and this additional space will allow us to serve as many people as possible."

Established in 1920, The Salvation Army Bremerton Corps provides services to needy members of the community. Free breakfast and lunch is offered on weekdays; monthly food boxes are available to those who qualify, and may include government food commodities, diapers, and toiletries. Special programs include utility bill assistance, free haircuts, and community voicemail. Holiday programs include holiday meals, food baskets, and toy donations. In 2012, more than 40,000 meals were served by the Bremerton Corps, and more than 3,500 clients participated in social services programs.

Donations are necessary for The Salvation Army to finish the project and offer expanded services in Bremerton. Donations can be made in person at the service office (832 6th Street, Bremerton, WA, 98337) or online here.