Salvation Army opens San Luis satellite office in rent-free space provided by mayor; food pantry serves 66 households first week

The Salvation Army has established a satellite office and client-choice food pantry in San Luis in space provided rent-free by Mayor Nieves Bridal, the organization announced during a city council meeting.

Lieutenant Jonathan Herzog, speaking for The Salvation Army, said the group was offered rent-free office space for three years in Plaza Rydell by the mayor and that the satellite office began operations immediately. Herzog said the pantry served “over 66 households” in its first week and that services will include food assistance, utility assistance referrals, connections to adult rehabilitation centers, and summertime camp opportunities for eligible children. He invited council members to visit the office at 1910 East Cesar Chavez Boulevard in Plaza Rydell.

Lizvette Vasquez, a local volunteer and advocate, said the office had processed nearly 70 applications in two days and thanked volunteers and board members for their work. City leaders, including Mayor Nieves Bridal, expressed appreciation for the Salvation Army’s presence; the mayor said providing space was “one of the few things that I enjoy being the mayor.”

The Salvation Army said the client-choice pantry will operate Tuesdays and Thursdays, with service windows from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and that services are available to Yuma County residents with a simple annual registration. The council’s discussion was a presentation and recognition rather than an action item; no formal council vote was required to accept the presentation.