Salvation Army closes Aberdeen church program; places focus on social services

Aberdeen, WA – The Salvation Army is closing their local church, moving their focus solely on social services.

The Salvation Army announced that their Grays Harbor location will be transitioning into a social services office only, effective June 24.

In September of 2018, the local thrift store that funded local projects was shuttered, leaving only the church and social service aspects of the Aberdeen locations.

On Wednesday, they announced that they will no longer be offering worship services in Grays Harbor, although keeping other social service offerings as well as the food bank open. The G Street location will close, while the Wishkah Street offices would remain open.

In their statement, they told KXRO;

“The decision was made after extension analysis. With more people relying on social services and limited funds to work with, transitioning to a social services office is the most effective way to direct more resources to the services where they are most needed.”

The Salvation Army Corps building on G Street near the Aberdeen High School will remain vacant until a decision is made on what to do with it.

“The Salvation Army is supported by generous people who expect us to make good financial decisions. That’s why we regularly review the financial performance of our locations and operation. And, when necessary, we make changes and re-align our priorities,” explained Captain Jonathan Harvey. As General Secretary of The Salvation Army in the Northwest. Captain Harvey oversees business operations of the non-profit social service agency.

The Grays Harbor office will be run by a social services employee Jennifer Chuks.

Lieutenants Lincoln Hawk and Claire O’Brien-Hawk, who have led The Salvation Army office in Grays Harbor for the past two years, will relocate to Fort Collins, Colorado, to run The Salvation Army office there.

“The Salvation Army has been serving the Grays Harbor community for nearly 125 years. We’re committed to the community and not going anywhere. In fact, we hope to expand our social services in the future,” said Captain Harvey.

Established in 1897, The Salvation Army in Grays Harbor provides social services to families in need.

Among the programs offered are emergency utility assistance, eviction prevention, food and nutrition programs, and disaster services. Last year, The Salvation Army in Grays Harbor served more than 11,295 individuals in the community.