GASTONIA, N.C. — The Salvation Army of Gaston and Lincoln Counties has offered temporary housing to families in Gastonia for years.
With the doors of their emergency shelter now shut, they hope what's next will allow the organization to continue to make an impact.
John Mills has worked with the organization for six years. He now leads social services and knows first-hand what it was like when the voices of those in need filled the halls.
"When they come here and they transition well, you feel that you’ve helped somebody in a very important way," Mills said.
That was before the shelter closed in August due to costs. Mills said its roughly 30 residents have since transitioned into alternate housing.
"[The Department of Social Services] really became involved as far as through their ERAP program, emergency rental assistance program -- 95% were able to get ERAP funding and they transitioned to permanent housing," Mills said. "The 5% or the 10%, they moved on to other housing options or reunification with their families.”
While the facility still offers food, case management, and limited financial support, Mills worries about what will happen when others find themselves without a home.
“There is no other shelter here," Mills said. "The closest one at this point would be Hesed House in Lincolnton. That’s a good run, so you always worry.”
For now, he says their focus remains on doing the most good. They're preparing to invite families back for a holiday meal on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ahead of Thanksgiving.
“We don’t really have the funds at this point to really be as impactful as we want to," Mills said, "but that should happen relatively soon, within the next couple of months, and that way we’ll be able to help.”
The Salvation Army does plan to close the current Center of Hope building on Broad Street and downsize in the months ahead, Mills said. They hope to be able to offer more financial support and education on financial literacy to those in need in the future.
In the meantime, the city says its planning to open a warming center soon to help families as temperatures drop.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.