Salvation Army Expands Services in East Lee County

Salvation Army to Establish Major Presence in East Lee

A major step forward is underway for East Lee County.

Recently announced at the East Lee County Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala, a new partnership between the Chamber, Salvation Army, and Kiwanis Club will bring a dedicated support hub to the area. This new East Lee County Respite Hub, also known as the Hope Hub, is designed to provide a local place for individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic violence, and financial hardship.

For many residents in East Lee, accessing these services has required traveling nearly 30 miles to Fort Myers. This new hub aims to change that by bringing essential resources closer to the community, while creating a centralized place for support, safety, and stability.

Read the full article in the Lehigh Acres Citizen by Chuck Ballaro.

Excerpt from the Article

There is a very large homeless population in East Lee. The very chilly weather we had this winter, with several freezes, has brought that situation into the spotlight.

Welch said he has seen elderly people clustered around a banyan tree off Homestead Road huddled around for warmth.

“That kind of thing cannot happen. East Lee tends to be the first to enter a major crisis and the last to leave it,” Welch said. “Now we have something that can be managed by the Salvation Army governed in East Lee toward the people who need the help.”

The facility would be open 24/7/365 and will have assessment rooms, a cafeteria (Sally’s Café), laundry facilities, showers, a pantry and a small village of small homes for those fleeing domestic violence.

This project reflects a meaningful collaboration between local organizations working together to address real challenges in East Lee. It highlights a shared commitment to bringing accessible, long-term support to the community.