THE BEGINING OF A NEW ERA FOR THE SALVATION ARMY IN SAN FRANCISCO

The Salvation Army in San Francisco will add to its broad network of supportive facilities with the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center and Railton Place set to open in June 2008 in the Tenderloin. It will provide underserved children, youth, families and individuals with recreational and spiritual opportunities, as well as other activities that build character, confidence and competence. It will include a gymnasium, dance studio, graphic arts studios, weight room/fitness center, climbing wall, outdoor courtyard, and activity rooms for mentoring and education.

"This is the beginning of a new era for The Salvation Army in San Francisco," said Major Joe Posillico, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army's San Francisco area. "With this new community center, we plan to expand our work in the Tenderloin community."

Railton Place is a housing facility offering 110 units of transitional and permanent housing for homeless individuals recovering from substance abuse, veterans, and aged-out foster youth.  The center is named after Salvation Army Commissioner George Railton (1849-1913), who established The Salvation Army in New York. When he was just fifteen he was orphaned and was penniless, homeless and jobless. A devout Christian he went to London to meet William Booth, the leader of The Salvation Army, beginning an association with the organization that would last a lifetime.

The San Francisco location is the first Kroc Community Center to break ground nationwide since 2004 when Joan Kroc donated approximately $1.5 billion to The Salvation Army, specifically for the revelopment of community centers across the country similar to the landmark Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in San Diego.

THE SALVATION ARMY PROVIDES FOOD, SPIRITUAL COMFORT TO DISPLACED RESIDENTS OF VALENCIA STREET FIRE - THE SALVATION ARMY WORKS WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS TO BRING AID

San Francisco  - In response to the recent fire in San Francisco's Mission District, The Salvation Army is serving meals to displaced residents at the Mission Recreation Center, serving as an American Red Cross shelter. 

The meals were prepared by The Salvation Army's Central Kitchen in the South of Market District. They are planning to serve meals through Wednesday, March 19 and revaluate the need at that time.  

Those wishing to support The Salvation Army disaster relief efforts may give online or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.  They can send monetary donations via mail earmarked "Disaster Services" to:

The Salvation Army
Att: Disaster Services Fund
P.O. Box 193465
San Francisco, CA. 94119-3465

Since 1883, The Salvation Army has been serving the San Francisco Bay Area, offering practical support, spiritual comfort and a critical safety net to people in need.  The Army has 15 facilities throughout San Francisco providing a myriad of services, including youth programs, meal delivery, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, transitional housing, and nutritional and housing support for seniors. 

For More Info Contact:  Jennifer Byrd, Public Relations Director, The Salvation Army 415.553.3524; jennifer_byrd@usw.salvationarmy.org

Print version