$8M City Investment Expands Salvation Army Family Shelter

This morning, the City of Phoenix and The Salvation Army held a ceremony at 2707 E. Van Buren St. to dedicate the site of the future construction of a third wing of its family shelter, which will increase the number of rooms by 50 percent.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington, District 8 Councilmember, joined Lt. Colonels Henry and Dina Graciani, leaders of The Salvation Army Southwest Division (based in Phoenix), and The Salvation Army Phoenix Advisory Board in making the project official.

"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,” Mayor Gallego said. “Together, we are investing in a brighter future for parents and children who deserve stability and hope."

“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,” Vice Mayor Hodge Washington said. “This project reflects my and the City’s full commitment to supporting pathways out of crisis and into permanent housing.”

“We are honored to partner with the City of Phoenix on this project and are thankful for the support,” said Henry Graciani. “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 project will be funded by a City of Phoenix HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) grant. The 9,356-square-foot building will house 12 rooms, increasing shelter capacity from 24 rooms to 36 and increasing the total number of shelter beds to up to 216.

A flexible room design allows for the accommodation of families of all sizes, as many rooms can be connected through adjoining doors so families can stay together and still have privacy.

The Salvation Army Phoenix Family Shelter is one of only a few shelters in Arizona for families with children. In addition to rooms and beds, the shelter provides comprehensive social services, including case management; referrals to resources; meals, clothing, medical and dental care; assistance in obtaining employment; children’s programs; and more, helping families of all sizes secure permanent housing and become self-sustaining.

Around 85 percent of residents who entered The Salvation Army Family Shelter in 2025 moved into stable housing.

Today’s dedication was part of the celebration of National Salvation Army Week, which was first declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. In his speech, President Eisenhower noted:

“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. Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”