JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Salvation Army in Johnson City is getting ready to unveil a new addition to its shelter, aimed specifically at helping veterans on their road to recovery.

“For many years, the Salvation Army in Johnson City has been assisting veterans,” said Major R.C. Duskin, the Corps Officer for the organization in Johnson City. “We’ve consistently reached full capacity with this program, and supporting those who have served our country is a wonderful opportunity for us.”

The new wing has 15 rooms, which are furnished with a bed and dresser, with their own private bathroom.

“This expansion will enhance our ability to assist veterans as they transition from homelessness to securing their own residences, focusing on their mental, physical, emotional, and even spiritual growth,” Duskin explained. “A core mission of the Salvation Army is sharing the message of Jesus Christ, and we do this through addressing human needs. Many individuals we serve are navigating through challenging circumstances.”

The new section will be accessible to both men and women, providing homeless veterans with a stable foundation to rebuild their lives. The James H. Quillen V.A. Medical Center collaborates with the Corps in identifying eligible veterans for the already full program.

“Veterans will have weekly meetings with our case manager to set and work towards their personal goals, from obtaining necessary veteran benefits to securing income and stable housing,” stated Duskin. “We also support their individual aspirations, such as educational achievements or reconnecting with family, providing tangible steps towards these goals.”

Each person selected for the program will get their own plan and resources to fit their specific needs. 

“Some veterans face issues with drugs or alcohol, and many are battling PTSD, often dealing with overlapping challenges,” said retired Army Colonel Daniel Bishop, a member of the advisory board. “Our region, the Tri-Cities, hosts one of the highest concentrations of veterans per capita in the nation, about 12-15%. We are also home to one of the top VA medical centers, making this area particularly attractive to the veteran community.”

Bishop spent 26 years with the United States Army and is now the Director of Veterans Affairs at ETSU.

“I started a couple years back when I was blessed to retire from the United States Army. I needed to find another army. And so, I came to the Salvation Army as a volunteer,” Bishop said. “Knowing that this is the only veterans shelter of this type in the region really is what drew me here to Johnson City Salvation Army.”

The intensive program is more than needed in the area.

“You hate to say that that the need is such that we have to have this type of shelter here in our community. But the fact of the matter is, it is always at capacity,” said Bishop. “As soon as a bed is empty, that bed is filled the next day. And so, it is always at capacity, and we don’t anticipate that that’s going to change, unfortunately, here in the Tri-Cities area.”

The veterans wing is set to open in mid-October. The Salvation Army of Johnson City is currently working on its “Mission Essential Campaign” to raise $1.2 million. The Corps is always looking for volunteers and donations, especially paper and hygiene products for the veterans wing. 

You can make monetary donations online or by mail at P.O. Box 1715, Johnson City, TN 37604. If you need assistance, you can go to the shelter at 200 Ashe St. or call 423-926-2101.