Athens' Salvation Army shelter plans to reopen scuttled due to lack of workers

Nikolai Mather, Athens Banner-Herald
·2 min read
The Salvation Army of Athens announced on Oct. 18 that it would not be re-opening its shelter and soup kitchen on the previously scheduled date of Oct. 21.
The Salvation Army of Athens announced on Oct. 18 that it would not be re-opening its shelter and soup kitchen on the previously scheduled date of Oct. 21.

The Salvation Army of Athens this week announced that it would not reopen its homeless shelter this week.

In a Youtube video, CEO Sheldon Greenland explained the decision to remain closed, citing a staff shortage.

"We don't want to be open without the proper staffing," he said.

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Last month, Greenland announced a temporary pause in shelter services and soup kitchen operations, and that the center would remain closed through Oct. 21. The nonprofit had experienced several financial issues that year.

The chapter had fallen short of its fundraising goals by $60,000 and struggled with inflation, staffing shortages and securing grants.

Greenland hoped that the time off would give staff a chance to "recalibrate" the center. In the Youtube video, he discussed the past month's work. Staff conducted a deep clean of the center and underwent a CPR and first aid training with Innovative Healthcare Institute.

"We had so many groups who had chipped in to help us," he said.

However, the shelter was not ready to open. Greenland said the most pressing issue was a staff shortage.

"We are not even at the 50% marker for staffing," he said.

At normal operating capacity, the Salvation Army shelter has 70 beds. Its soup kitchen serves an average of 25 dinners each day. Without proper staffing, the center will not be able to house and feed as many people.

In order to reopen, the Salvation Army needs housing monitors to help staff keep the shelter running smoothly. Greenland urged community members to sign up to volunteer.

"The need is great and may only get greater," he said. "Sad news, but we are glad that we are right here in Athens, Georgia to be a part of the solution."

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Salvation Army's Athens shelter staying closed due to staff shortage.