Washougal gets new headquarters for Salvation Army

WASHOUGAL — One of the most talked-about rooms in the new Salvation Army building in Washougal may also be its smallest and simplest: a private shower stall. A handful of homeless people have used it since the building opened Oct. 17.

Clark County’s homeless community has lamented the lack of available showers. During the summer, Share House in downtown Vancouver stopped providing showers to people who are unsheltered, citing plumbing issues and overuse of the building.

Ministry Leader Samantha Wheeler talked with school counselors Wednesday, along with the Council for the Homeless, about the Salvation Army of Camas/Washougal’s hygiene center. Apparently, she said, there’s a need for places where people can shower and do laundry. Some students who are homeless or couch-surfing don’t have consistent places to get themselves and their clothes clean.

Although the new building at 1612 I St. has been open about a week, word has spread and the number of clients is starting to increase. During construction, the Salvation Army operated everything out of its chapel on the property, the same place the nonprofit holds weekend worship services. Unlike other Salvation Army locations, the Washougal branch started as a church first and then evolved into providing social services. Wheeler opened the site in February 1998, using the chapel and parsonage house, which was torn down to make way for the new digs. It acts independently of the Vancouver Salvation Army, and serves Camas and Washougal residents who are struggling.

As people enter the Salvation Army, they’re greeted by a volunteer at the front desk. People can get bread and sweets and peruse the blessing room, which is a free thrift store full of clothing and household items. These two areas have the most turnover because people can use them daily. There’s also a warming center for people to get out of the weather, charge electronics and have some coffee and cookies.

“It’s so easy now. Everything’s all in one building,” Wheeler said.

The space holds a food pantry, counseling rooms, a day care center, offices, bathrooms and a kitchen. Wheeler said it’s been exciting to see clients’ reactions to the new place.

“That’s who we did it for. They have a nice place to come and have their needs met,” Wheeler said.

Church member Debbie Weidner was shopping for a pair of shoes on Wednesday.

“It’s a lot bigger than they had over at the church,” she said.

Installing and retrofitting the building, which was a series of modular units sent here from the Bellevue branch of the Salvation Army, along with renovating the chapel and reconfiguring the parking lot cost about $1 million.

Although the Salvation Army aimed to open late summer, it took three months to secure occupancy permits due to snafus in the building process. For instance, with fluctuating summertime temperatures the floors had to be redone.

Soon, the holiday season will be here. That means finding people to staff red donation kettles at stores in east Clark County, and putting together food and gifts for families in need. Wheeler said there will be a building dedication in February.