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PETALUMA, CA – The Salvation Army Petaluma Corps celebrated their “Building Brighter Futures…Together” $3.2 million Capital Campaign by breaking ground for their new campus on May 10th, 2004. Distinguished local citizens, government leaders, and Officers from The Salvation Army’s Del Oro Divisional Headquarters pitched in to help remove shovels of earth during this special occasion.
The Salvation Army has had a presence in Petaluma since 1891. Over a century later, they continue to serve over 8,000 adults and children every year through housing assistance, food distribution and a myriad of other social programs. Their existing building has been in need of expansion for some time. So for the past 18 months, leaders of The Salvation Army have been working to develop plans for new facilities at the present location. Once the new facility is completed, the Petaluma Corps will be able to serve more people, offer expanded programs and services and significantly increase their response capabilities to local emergency situations, such as earthquakes, fires and floods. Plus The Petaluma Corps envisions more case management assistance, after-school programs and increased ability to meet local needs for grocery bags packed with donated, healthy foods.
Captains Keith and Bobbi Solts, Petaluma Corps Officers, officiated the ground-breaking ceremony. Major Eda Hokom, Del Oro Divisional Commander, shared with the crowd her gratitude for the generosity of the local community who have supported the Petaluma Corps for so many years.
The Mayor of Petaluma, David Glass, spoke of the support the City has for this new project. He noted, “The new campus will serve thousands of County residents through social service programs as well as serving as the premiere emergency services center for all of Sonoma County.”
The new campus will incorporate the addition of two new buildings (nearly 11,000 sq. ft. total) to offer expanded food storage and distribution capabilities, a new chapel and community center, a multi-purpose center and a social services and supply center. The facilities will also provide needed space for social work and case management, storage, meeting and community rooms, and other seasonal and social service functions. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2006.