The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida has added resources for expectant mothers who may need a place to stay.
A room at the organization’s Downtown location on West Adams Street has been turned into what it calls a “Bundle of Hope” room for up to two pregnant women.
Director of Social Services Tami Gonyea said they’ve gotten about 20 inquiries over the past nine months to house women who don’t have other children in their care.
“So it might just be one woman for a little bit and then a second woman might come in and have a need for shelter while she’s pregnant and we’ll continue to evaluate that to see if the need is greater than we’re able to offer, but having one room with two beds seemed a sufficient place to start, based in the inquiries we’re getting.”
While there, the women can work with case managers to find permanent housing or get other counseling.
The room was remodeled with donations from two local residents: David A. Baker and William Reid, who died in November.
Reid was born in a Salvation Army home for mothers in Kansas City.
Michelle Corum can be reached at mcorum@wjct.org, 904-358-6308 or on Twitter at @MCorumonME.
