Numbers Growing for Salvation Army and Center of Hope in Muscle Shoals

According to Times Daily, some members in the community now require more shelter and services due to below-freezing weather. According to Lt. Michelle Cook of the Salvation Army of the Shoals, the number of visitors to the Center of Hope has started to rise. However, the center has not been overwhelmed because of community partners. According to her, the center will approach capacity as daytime temperatures rise and nighttime temperatures continue to decline. Cook stated, “There’s just so much need,” “We’re expecting to be pretty full over the next couple of days.” At the moment, the Center for Hope hosts 27 visitors per night on average. There is a 48-person capacity. The Center of Hope is only an overnight shelter, therefore each morning visitors have to depart. At least 20 more people visit the shelter every evening to enjoy the hot meals provided to Center of Hope guests, and extra food boxes have been requested. One of the best methods for community members to assist people most affected by cold weather, according to Cook, is to put loose change in a red kettle. As of right now, the Red Kettle Campaign has helped the Salvation Army of the Shoals generate $30,210.76, which is little over 10% of its target for this Christmas season. The Salvation Army uses the money it raises to provide direct services including food aid, utility and rent programs, and more.