OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Salvation Army Captain Ken Chapman said the work has not stopped since an arson fire destroyed their service unit in Kissimmee back in November.
With the help of other churches, such as the Kissimmee First Church of the Nazarene, volunteers have been able to continue handing out food for those in need despite not having a working building.
“The pastor from the First Church of Kissimmee of the Nazarene immediately said, ‘We will open our doors to you, whatever you need,’ and they have followed through with that offer,” Chapman said.
As part of National Salvation Army week, Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry presented a $100,000 check to the nonprofit to help bring in services.
“This $100,000 gets us over the top now. We have identified some other property. We are going to have a new shower trailer that has three toilets, and showers, and laundry facility, so we will be offer those services back,” Chapman said.
The building remains fenced off to the public, but is set to get demolished over the next several days.
Chapman said the goal is to open a new service unit by 2026.
“Our five-year plan moved to a two-year plan where we are going to build a 10,000-square-foot, one-stop emergency resource center where all the agencies can be under one housing, one door, and keep it at one place where you can get everything you need in Osceola. This is a great vision from the county commissioners,” Chapman said.
If you wish to donate toward the rebuilding of the Salvation Army Osceola County service unit, click here for more information.
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