Salvation Army launches new campaign to raise money for programs that will help thousands

CHARLOTTE — The Salvation Army is launching a new campaign to raise money for services that touch thousands of people across our area.

The program, called “Better Future,” will launch Wednesday. It’s expected to increase services for families across the region.

The massive endeavor will touch a large number of people -- from those living on the streets to kids across two counties. The campaign has three goals: To address homelessness, add more support to the Boys and Girls Club, and do more to help those battling substance abuse.

It will also create an operating endowment to help sustain the new programs and facilities.

So far, the Salvation Army has raised $12 million toward its $32 million goal. That money raised will expand three specific programs.

To start, the organization will make an $8 million investment in Booth Commons at Mulberry, which is an emergency shelter born out of the pandemic. It can serve up to 100 families at a time. The Center of Hope emergency shelter just outside of uptown Charlotte will also see a $5 million renovation.

With $9 million, it plans to build neighborhood centers at the seven Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Mecklenburg and Union counties. That initiative will launch at Oak Forest Boys and Girls Club on Milton Road in Charlotte. Services could support entire families -- like job skill training, financial literacy, and more.

$3 million will go to the Salvation Army’s adult rehabilitation center on Central Avenue in Charlotte to build a vehicle maintenance shop and gym. Both will support those going through the substance abuse program.

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