Gadsden councilor: Salvation Army shelter not closing; calls for volunteers and donations amid increased need

A councilor at the Gadsden City Council meeting said the Salvation Army of Gadsden is not closing and appealed for community help as the shelter serves a growing number of people.

President Beck said the reports that the local Salvation Army is closing are incorrect. “That is not true. We're not closing. God has bigger plans for the Salvation Army than for it to close,” Beck said. He said the local shelter has been full for more than three-and-a-half years, the city’s homeless population has more than doubled over three years, and the Salvation Army is now serving roughly 60 meals each night.

Beck outlined how the organization’s operational needs—volunteers to prepare meals, donations and general support—have increased and asked churches and community groups to help. He also noted leadership changes: “Major Amy and Jim Edmonds have retired. They've moved to Virginia, but we have Major Nancy Fuller who is in Gadsden now and is our core officer.”

Nut Graf: The remarks clarify the Salvation Army’s operational status and publicize a need for community assistance as shelter occupancy and meal demand have risen. The councilor emphasized that while finances are strained, the organization remains open and serving residents.

The councilor also expressed gratitude for the police department’s response to a recent accident on U.S. 759 and offered condolences to families affected by recent deaths; those remarks were part of a broader set of council comments during the meeting.