Public and council press city on Salvation Army relocation and homeless services; officials point to task force and planned bed expansions
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Public speakers and council members pressed the city for action after The Salvation Army closed local services; city staff said neighborhood opposition and site suitability have complicated relocation and that the city is coordinating with the Salvation Army and nonprofit partners.
A public speaker asked the Montgomery City Council why The Salvation Army remains offline in the city and urged action to relocate and reopen local Salvation Army services.
City staff and council members said multiple factors contributed to the current situation. Eddie Compton (city staff) and other council members told the meeting that past efforts to site the Salvation Army in several districts met neighborhood opposition in some locations. Staff said the Salvation Army received funding to site a location but community opposition or suitability concerns prevented some placements.
Council and staff described existing homeless-service infrastructure: a Consolidated Homeless Service Center, a city-wide task force of organizations that coordinate services, and the 211 referral line. City representatives told the council they are pursuing available properties and meeting with Salvation Army representatives to find a new site; one council member said a property donation discussion is underway and that several lots had been offered for consideration. City officials also said some ARPA funds have been used to support Friendship Mission renovations; they reported that three buildings are slated for renovation and that the work could add approximately 67 beds when completed.
Council members and public speakers cited instances when individuals and families lacked immediate shelter options and described gaps in emergency placement for short-term needs. Several council members said they are coordinating with nonprofit partners and community groups to place families on a case-by-case basis while larger shelter-capacity projects proceed.
The transcript excerpt records discussion and multiple public comments. It does not include a formal council vote or a signed relocation agreement for The Salvation Army in the portion provided.