Salvation Army Unveils Plans For Center Of Hope In OKC

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command unveiled plans Monday to relocate and rebuild its facilities. The move will expand its service to the community by building a "Center of Hope" at the corner of Northwest 10th Street and Pennsylvania Blvd.

The announcement was made on the first day of National Salvation Army Week, May 9–15. In addition, Chesapeake announced a major gift of $5 million to The Salvation Army's Center of Hope Campaign.

Due to Oklahoma City's Core to Shore redevelopment initiative, The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command will be required to relocate from its 50-year-old location at 311 Southwest 5th Street.

"This opportunity to relocate will allow the Salvation Army to upgrade our programs and services to better serve a growing and dynamic Central Oklahoma," said Central Oklahoma Area Commander Major Dan Proctor. "The Salvation Army never closes and operates in Central Oklahoma 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing spiritual and social services for over 160,000 people a year."

The new Salvation Army Center of Hope will combine all the Army's family, community and social services in one 26-acre campus. Included will be a Family Service Center, the Red Shield Kitchen and public Dining Room, Emergency Shelters, Transitional Family Residences and an Operating Endowment. The Salvation Army's goal is to raise $10,325,000 for the first phase of the project. Chesapeake's lead $5.0 million gift will kick off the Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma's Center of Hope Capital Campaign.

"This is an exciting time of growth, increased diversity, civic beautification and urban renaissance for Oklahoma City," said Chesapeake CEO Aubrey K. McClendon. "For more than 120 years, the Salvation Army has been a part of the city's story, building on the values that have made Oklahoma City the great city that it is today. As the city landscape changes before our eyes, the Salvation Army must change with it. Chesapeake is proud to be a part of the Salvation Army's future, helping provide better facilities and program delivery for the less fortunate in our community."

Major Proctor said the lead gift from Chesapeake is a blessing to the communities that The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma serves.

"We are honored by and grateful for the generosity and community spirit that Chesapeake has shown in helping bring the future of our services to reality in Central Oklahoma," he said. "With this gift, The Salvation Army will be able to continue and expand our efforts to help families fight hunger, despair and homelessness. Chesapeake helps bring hope to those who suffer in our community.

Martha Burger, Sr. Vice President - Human and Corporate Resources at Chesapeake, said the programming offered by The Salvation Army is vital to the community.

"It is an honor for Chesapeake to help this outstanding organization adapt to the changing needs of the community," said Burger. "The vision for the Center of Hope is an exciting opportunity for growth and is essential to provide vital programming in our growing community. By centrally locating services in a comprehensive facility, clients will be provided more efficient and effective access to a wide range of Salvation Army services."

The Salvation Army Oklahoma City Center of Hope's one-stop location will combine a comprehensive network of family and homeless services, including: shelter, emergency provision of food, clothing, utility assistance, prescription medications, rent assistance, emergency weather relief, disaster relief, rehabilitation referrals, personal finance classes, parenting and life skills classes and other forms of help.