10 October 2014

The Salvation Army is expanding its facility and services in Missoula. A new building is planned, including space for worship, education, recreation and social services. The new building in will replace the small storefront on West Broadway Street, home of the organization for many years. “We outgrew that building a long time ago,” said Lt. Joshua Hamilton, director of The Salvation Army in Missoula. “In order to offer more services to the community, we need more space, and at a location that is more accessible to the people we are assisting.”

The overall space of the new building will be 11,500 square feet (the existing building is 10,000 square feet). “It will have a fellowship hall, a community kitchen, lots of classroom space and our social services programs will continue here,” said Joshua Hamilton, who is the co-executive director of the Salvation Army in Missoula along with his wife. “It will have lots of office space and it will expand our ability to have people come in and receive services from all aspects, from the spiritual to the physical needs of the community.” It is adjacent to The Salvation Army’s Silvercrest apartments, an affordable senior living facility, built in 2008.

Established in 1894, The Salvation Army Missoula Corps provides services to needy members of the community. Below are some program highlights and statistics from program year 2013-2014.

• Total Individuals Served (Unduplicated) - 8,505
• Food/Meals Provided - 1,639
• Lodging & Housing - 811
• Volunteer Hours - 3,659
• Showers & Laundry Provided - 4,015
• Gas Vouches & Bus Tickets - 206
• Case Management - 7,190
• Clothing & Household Item Distributed - 14,485

The Salvation Army will begin breaking ground on the new Community Center on October 13th with construction to be completed in June 2015. The cost of Phase I of the Center is $2.5 million, which is being paid for through the sale of The Salvation Army’s downtown location.

The Salvation Army will embark on a Major Gift Initiative to raise an additional $2 million to build a gymnasium, more classrooms and meeting spaces in Phase II. “We want this facility to truly be a Community Center and we believe that gym space is greatly needed in our community. This gymnasium will add value to Missoula and this neighborhood, making it a safe place for people from all walks of life to recreate, worship, serve and learn,” said Lt. Hamilton. As the funds are raised, the land will be used as a recreational space.

Donations can be made in person at the service office (339 West Broadway Street, Missoula, MT, 59802) or online by clicking HERE.

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About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 when William Booth decided to take his ministry into the streets of London where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. It is now part of the universal Christian Church, and an international organization meeting human needs in 126 countries around the globe. The Salvation Army continues its tradition in Northwest by serving more than 600,000 people annually, always meeting human needs without discrimination. Among the services offered in this region are rent/utility/gas assistance, food pantry, clothing, disaster relief services, day care centers, summer camps, holiday assistance, services for the aging, medical facilities, shelters for battered women and children, family and career counseling, vocational training, correction services, and substance abuse rehabilitation.