County, United Way Expected to Help Fund Project

By Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Salvation Army of Anderson is seeking community support to expand to an additional 20 beds to meeting the growing homeless population in Anderson County, and tonight one Anderson County Councilman will ask his fellow council members for help.

Currently, with 47 permanent spaces; 14 for women, 18 for men, 13 for families and two emergency beds, the Salvation Army faces challenges meeting the needs of the community. Since 2016, the number of overnight stays at the shelter has doubled, Dolby said.

"We estimate that an additional 20-30 beds will create opportunity for every person sleeping on the streets in Anderson to access safe, supportive shelter and begin the process of becoming productive citizens," said Captain Rob Dolby, Officer Commanding at The Salvation Army in Anderson. 

"This would be comprehensive in nature, and not simply create more bed space; but also increase the necessary supportive services necessary to end cycles of chronic homelessness." 

Anderson County Councilman Craig Wooten will ask each of his fellow council members to contribute $3,000 to the effort at tonight's meeting.

"Hopefully tonight the council members will work together to support this worthy cause," said Wooten, whose district inculdes much of the city. "(Lt. Dolby) is doing something that is much needed. I have heard from several folks that they had seen an increase in homeless traffic downtown. This is an issue that is directly impacting the city and the merchants and downtown residents are talking about it." 

Wooten said giving them somewhere to go would hopefully help them into some situations that will get them off the streets permanently.

He said the county providing some financial support might also help the Salvation Army leverage the funding to get money from other groups.

The United Way of Anderson is also expected to donate an additional $5,000 to the Salvation Army project.

Dolby said he has witnessed the continued growth of the homeless population in recent years. The deaths of two homeless citizens in the past 90 days highlights the need for more opportunities for those living on the streets.

In March, Dolby worked to open some day-hour availability at the shelter after the main brand of Anderson County Library, which he called “extremely compassionate,” and local business began to report problems related to the homeless.

The move was also aimed to reduce the rising number of panhandlers downtown.

"We have seen a significant decrease in the challenging issues downtown," Dolby said. "This is mainly due to the fact that resources are available outside of the business areas, and folks generally do not have to enter local business in hope of using the restroom, getting water, etc. Having daytime access to resources, such as phone, and computer have greatly increased positive social impact."

The expansion would help the facility to meet a number of growing needs, Dolby said.

"We currently have a space we utilize for overflow shelter on our property that could be utilized for adding access to shelter and to provide day time resources for residents," Dolby said.

The Salvation Army has already invested more than $60,000 in the structure for a roof, new flooring, LED lighting, and equipment. The total costs related to the expansion are just short of $78,000. The money will be used for two new part-time employees, bunks and mattresses, linens, food service equipment, utilities, repairs and retrofit of the current space, and an HVAC unit.

"Our goal would be to present a full program review to the City and County councils, and ask them to consider a regular line item contribution to shelter support," Dolby said. "This would be in line with best practice in many municipalities."

Dolby said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns had been extremely helpful and supportive of the effort. 

"We have operated a day resource center since, and seen a significant decrease in the challenging issues downtown. This is mainly due to the fact that resources are available outside of the business areas, and folks generally do not have to enter local business in hope of using the restroom, getting water, etc. Access to resources, such as phone, and computer have greatly increased positive social impact."

"Without an immediate increase of low income, and permanent supportive housing, an increase in our shelter inventory is necessary if we are to compassionately and effectively get people off the streets and into shelter, to begin the stabilization process," Dobly said.