The City of Phoenix and The Salvation Army dedicated the site for a new third wing at the Salvation Army Family Shelter on May 12. The expansion, located at 2707 E. Van Buren St., will increase the number of rooms at the shelter by 50 percent.
The project is important because it addresses homelessness among families with children, offering more housing options and comprehensive support services in Phoenix. The new wing aims to provide stability and hope for parents and children experiencing crisis.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said, “I’m grateful to The Salvation Army for their partnership in helping expand this family shelter to be an even better place for residents to turn to in times of crisis. Together, we are investing in a brighter future for parents and children who deserve stability and hope.”
Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington added, “All roads to ending homelessness lead to creating more housing. This new family shelter wing is an investment in parents, children, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to begin again. This project reflects my and the City’s full commitment to supporting pathways out of crisis and into permanent housing.”
Lt. Colonel Henry Graciani of The Salvation Army Southwest Division said, “We are honored to partner with the City of Phoenix on this project and are thankful for the support. This is more than just putting ‘heads on beds.’ This is about providing hope and a safe and supportive environment for families to overcome homelessness, get the tools to become self-sufficient, find affordable long-term housing, and thrive.”
The estimated $8 million construction will be funded by a City of Phoenix HOME American Rescue Plan grant. Once completed, it will add 12 rooms—bringing total capacity from 24 rooms up to 36—and increase available beds up to 216. Flexible room designs allow families of all sizes privacy while staying together.
The Salvation Army Family Shelter provides not only temporary accommodation but also social services such as case management; referrals; meals; clothing; medical care; employment assistance; children’s programs; among others—all aimed at helping families achieve permanent housing.
According to organizers, about 85 percent of residents who entered the shelter in 2025 moved into stable housing afterward.
Today’s dedication coincided with National Salvation Army Week—a tradition dating back to President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s declaration in 1954—who then said: “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood … their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is a neighbor and kin to all Americans.”
