The Salvation Army of Odessa’s shelter is gradually opening for business.
After being closed for more than a year, the shelter at 810 E. Eleventh St., is opening during cold weather emergencies to give those in need a warm place to stay.
“Where we’re at right now is not a full reopening,” Captain Justin Vincent with the Salvation Army of Odessa said. “We’re opening as an inclement shelter during the cold weather, and it’ll be open for everyone.”
When the weather is below 42 degrees, the shelter will open, Vincent said, adding that people have been using the facility since October. A full reopening is scheduled for the summer.
The shelter was closed for quality-of-life renovations, such as updates to the men’s and women’s dorms, and new fixtures, counters and tile in the bathrooms. The fire suppression system has also been updated.
“The Salvation Army’s goal is to make sure there is a good quality of life when people come to use our services,” Vincent said. “That there’s a sense of dignity and safety for everyone.”
The next updates Vincent would like to see to the shelter would include equipment and full-time staff for the kitchen. Currently in the middle of their annual Red Kettle campaign, Vincent said if everyone in Odessa donated a dollar, they would be closer to reaching their goals.
“There are several ways to give, and every little bit helps,” Vincent said.
