OCALA, FL (352today.com) – An organization that provides critical help to the community now needs the community’s help.

The Salvation Army’s Ocala homeless shelter will remain open through the summer, likely until Labor Day, according to Maj. Phillip Irish, who oversees the Ocala Mission. However, there is a significant funding shortfall. The mission needs $60,000 monthly to stay operational.

So far, the mission has received $25,000 in restricted donations earmarked specifically for the shelter. While appreciated, it falls short of their goal.

“We’ve been working closely internally with our board, with the county and other partner agencies to work through what our options are moving forward to sustain this operation,” said Irish.

The initial community meeting in May was called to gather input on the shelter’s future. Irish said the next steps are based on the responses the Salvation Army received.

To move forward, the mission is adopting a three-pronged strategy.

The first element focuses on board engagement. While the initial response brought in a notable amount of funds, it wasn’t enough to fully solve the issue. Still, Irish said it sent a positive signal to Salvation Army headquarters that the community values this service.

Headquarters also took note of the county’s support and collaboration on possible grant opportunities, he added.

The second element involves pursuing grant funding—both externally and within the Salvation Army. An appeal is currently underway to the territorial headquarters with support from divisional leadership.

“It’s a substantial amount of funding,” said Irish. “It’s very likely, but I don’t want to put the cart before the horse. We’re very optimistic that this is what makes it possible to get further traction.”

The third focus is working with the county. However, the mission recently lost its grant writer and donor support services staff member to an unexpected circumstance.

“It’s left us partially crippled in our ability to respond,” said Irish. “We are fast-tracking the replacement. Interviews will take place as early as tomorrow (June 4).”

In the meantime, support staff from divisional headquarters will help with the grant writing and revisions needed for county engagement.

Irish said the Ocala Mission is grateful for the continued support from headquarters, both in general and in emergency situations.

“We’re looking forward to local board support to continue to get the word out about the funding we need right now,” he said. “We still need to get more dollars generated by the community, and have more awareness generated.”

Summer is typically a difficult time for fundraising, and Irish said community support is essential to break that pattern.

The mission’s current leadership team will serve until June 20. New command officers will assume their roles on June 30, 2025.

 

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