Salvation Army’s Family Haven emergency shelter to close, community partners seek alternatives for families

The Salvation Army’s Family Haven emergency shelter, a long-standing resource for families facing homelessness in Mobile, Alabama, is set to close. The decision comes after years of service and is attributed to two primary factors: the deteriorating condition of the building and the lack of funds for necessary repairs. While no immediate danger to occupants is reported, the Salvation Army has determined that closing the facility is the safest option at this time.

Captain Richard Watts, commander of the Salvation Army Coastal Alabama Area, explained that the organization has been redirecting support to other ministries over the past year. He emphasized that the closure is not a reflection of the community’s needs but a result of structural limitations and financial constraints. “We don’t have the funds available to repair the building,” Watts said, noting that the facility’s closure is a difficult but necessary step.

As the shelter prepares to close, Salvation Army staff are actively working with community partners to find alternative housing for every family currently residing there. Watts acknowledged that affordable housing remains a significant challenge but highlighted the importance of collaboration in ensuring continuity of care. “We’re working with our community partners and other agencies to make sure that everyone has a place to go,” he said.

The closure of Family Haven represents a loss for the Mobile community, which has relied on the shelter as a critical resource for families in crisis. Derek Boulware, CEO of Hope for All Gulf Coast, noted that Family Haven was the largest emergency shelter dedicated to families in the region. “Their loss will be felt,” Boulware said, underscoring the shelter’s role in addressing the needs of vulnerable households.

Hope for All Gulf Coast operates a coordinated entry system in Mobile and Baldwin counties, connecting individuals and families experiencing homelessness with available resources. Boulware shared that the most recent census identified 82 families in need of shelter, highlighting the ongoing demand for such services. “That’s a family unit,” he said, emphasizing the importance of targeted support for families.

Community leaders and organizations are stepping up to fill the gap left by Family Haven’s closure. Partnerships across Mobile are being strengthened to ensure that families continue to receive the care and resources they need. As the transition unfolds, the focus remains on maintaining stability for those most affected by housing insecurity.

The situation at Family Haven reflects broader challenges related to homelessness and the need for sustainable solutions. While the closure marks the end of an era, it also underscores the importance of collective action and compassion in addressing the needs of vulnerable neighbors. As the community works to support those impacted, the call to care for the least among us remains a central concern. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Source: Read the original report