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The Salvation Army urgently seeks financial, meal and volunteer support after evacuating its shelter guests to its administrative building on Friday, Feb. 21, due to a gas leak. Repairs are still in progress, and temporary accommodations lack essential facilities such as a commercial kitchen and showers.

Despite these challenges, the Salvation Army remains committed to providing safe shelter and services to those in need. The organization extends deep gratitude to East Tennessee State University (ETSU) for offering shower facilities and to community partners—including First United Methodist Church, Fox’s Pizza, Ming’s Asian Cuisine and The Firehouse—for generously providing meals over the weekend.

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community,” said Maj. Maureen Diffley, corps officer of the Salvation Army. “Thanks to generous donors, all of our guests have received hot meals and showers, and we’ve been able to provide cots for sleeping, thanks to loans from the Red Cross and American Legion. The assistance from the Washington County Emergency Management Agency and other community partners has been instrumental in helping us navigate this crisis.”

Ongoing needs

Additional funds are urgently needed to complete necessary repairs and maintain essential services. Daily meal donations and volunteer support remain critical. Those interested in helping can contact the Salvation Army office to pledge a meal or volunteer their time.

“We are incredibly proud of our guests and staff, who have shown resilience and adaptability during this challenging time,” Diffley continued. “Our fellowship hall has been transformed into a temporary shelter, and volunteers from First United Methodist Church and the Medical Reserve Corps have stepped up to help serve meals and provide additional care. The White Flag volunteer network has also expanded its services, opening two locations instead of one to accommodate overnight shelter needs.”

Continued cold weather shelter services

Despite the evacuation, the Salvation Army has continued providing emergency cold-weather shelter through the White Flag program. Over the weekend, all registered White Flag guests were housed at overflow locations operated by community partners, ensuring there was no disruption in services. During January, the program provided 454 nights of stay, opening 27 out of 31 nights for those in need.

How to help

– Donate: Make an online contribution at www.SalvationArmyJohnsonCity.org.
– Pledge a meal or volunteer: Call (423) 926-2101 or email Olivia.Brokaw@uss.salvationarmy.org.
– Become a monthly supporter: Sign up for a sustaining gift of $25 a month at www.SalvationArmyJohnsonCity.org.