Groundbreaking ceremony for new homeless housing center to begin March 5
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Starting Tuesday, The Salvation Army of Columbus will begin construction for a new facility that aims to provide hope for homeless families.
The Center of Hope facility will house up to 17 homeless families, all as a part of the mission of The Salvation Army of Columbus.
“We’re going to take homeless families and bring them from homelessness to self-sufficiency,” said Andre Pereira, Commanding Officer for The Salvation Army of Columbus. “There was a big lack of resources for homeless families with children; there was really not a place for them in the community. If my family ever needed something like this, this is the kind of place I would love for my community to have available.”
Located off 2nd Avenue and 18th Street in Columbus, Center of Hope will bring in vetted homeless families within a 4-6 month time frame. In providing housing, resources, and proper guidance, the Center of Hope seeks to break the cycle of poverty and get individuals back on their feet - especially for families with children.
“It was kind of a shock to think that the major growth in homelessness is happening in single women and children,” said Neil Clark, Advisory Board Chairman for The Salvation Army of Columbus. “You know, we really can’t even imagine what this is going to do for the city of Columbus over the next twenty years.”
The 21,000-square-foot facility comes in response to a study conducted in 2017 which found there was a lack of resources for homeless families and children within the community. This time next year, The Salvation Army of Columbus intends to continue its mission in finding a solution to that problem in further providing families with the Center of Hope.
“Homelessness doesn’t affect only the individuals who are in it, it affects the whole community. It takes a village to really help everybody and so we’re just doing our part,” said Pereira.
The building will stand two stories high; the top floor consisting of 17 apartments, and the bottom floor serving as a social gathering place for residents. Even with an outdoor area and children’s playground, Center of Hope plans to make its walls feel like a fresh start for families.
After a capital campaign in 2019, Center of Hope surpassed its goal of raising $8.5 million, and construction can now officially begin. The groundbreaking ceremony will be March 5 at 10 a.m. ET at 1718 Second Avenue.
Our crew was there and you can watch the ceremony here:
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