JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Salvation Army in Johnson City marked a significant milestone on Tuesday with the inauguration of its new Veterans Wing Shelter. This special event was highlighted by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The newly established Veterans Wing Shelter, located at the Center of Hope on 200 Ashe Street, boasts 15 rooms. This project was made possible through funding from a Veterans Administration grant, contributions from Washington County, the City of Johnson City, and generous private donors.

This shelter is dedicated to providing support for U.S. military veterans who are currently facing homelessness, as outlined in a release from The Salvation Army.

The press release also cited statistics from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which reveal that over 35,000 veterans experience homelessness each night across the country. This highlights the critical need for specialized and empathetic housing solutions like the one being offered.

Major R.C. Duskin, Corps Officer, shared insights with News Channel 11 following the ceremony. He emphasized the shelter’s mission to assist veterans and offer them the support they deserve during challenging times.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to aid veterans in need and experiencing homelessness, by providing them not only with a safe place to stay but also with much more than just a bed,” he expressed.

“Just coming alongside them and helping them to transition to a higher level of care if they need it. For some of our older veterans that have been experiencing homelessness, but also getting others into a more permanent housing situation.”

The Salvation Army said each veteran in the program will have their own private room and bathroom. Every room is fully furnished with a bed, a wardrobe and linens. The shelter includes a secure outdoor courtyard for those utilizing the facility.

Inside a common area at the shelter, veterans will find seating and computer stations that will serve as a hub for life-skills classes, support groups and fellowship.

A laundry room is available, as well, so local veterans experiencing homelessness have clean clothes and linens.

“Every detail of the new Veterans Wing was intentionally designed to enhance The Salvation Army’s ability to serve local military veterans, helping them transition from homelessness to independent living with stability, dignity, and hope,” the release states.