(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.)  The Salvation Army’s Hospitality House, which moved into a newly-renovated building in February, will soon see even more improvements, because a grant awarded by Target Corporation has recently increased to $32,500.

“We are grateful to be able to do even more to serve our homeless children and families, said Capt. Stephen Ball, director of the San Bernardino Corps of the Salvation Army.

The initial $25,000 grant awarded in 2009 allowed The Salvation Army to create an attractive media center and computer lab as it was renovating the new shelter building at 925 W. Tenth Street. These two rooms are primarily used by school-age children during a tutoring program, and as they complete their homework.

The grant required The Salvation Army use the money to renovate a library, media center or other educational facility.

Target actually awarded this grant to the Sierra del Mar Division (San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego and Imperial counties) of The Salvation Army, which in turn awarded it to the San Bernardino Corps.

Target also awarded similar $25,000 grants last year to each of the 39 other geographical divisions of The Salvation Army’s worldwide ministry, some of which did not spend all of their grant funds. When more money became available, The Salvation Army reallocated some of it to the Hospitality House project in San Bernardino.

Capt. Ball said this additional $7,500 will allow the San Bernardino Corps to replace the doors on the media center and computer lab, renovate the adjacent bathroom, and purchase additional books, educational software and educational DVDs for children.

“The new doors will have small viewing windows for better safety and supervision, and will replace old wooden doors that were left in place during the building renovation,” Capt. Ball said.

“Additional bathroom renovation will widen the doorways making them easier to access,” he said. “We weren’t able to do much with these two bathrooms last year because renovating the bathrooms in the guest rooms was a higher priority. We will replace a drinking fountain in the center as well.”

The original $25,000 grant allowed The Salvation Army to equip two poorly-lit rooms with good lighting, attractive tables and chairs for study and television viewing and eight computer stations, Capt. Ball said.

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.

For local help, call (909) 888-1336.