The Salvation Army of Gaston and Lincoln counties is upending its current approach to local homelessness issues by transiting away from an emergency shelter model, as reported by WBTV and WCCB Charlotte. By shifting to a homelessness prevention program, the non-profit aims to halt homelessness in its tracks through tools like case management and Rapid Rehousing. The final intake of new shelter residents at the Center of Hope Facility will be July 15, 2024, signaling the beginning of this significant pivot.

Moving to actively prevent individuals from becoming homeless instead of only providing emergency shelter once they are, the organization announced that the last provisions of emergency shelter services are dated for August 31, 2024. The staff, during this period, will be working with shelter residents, which was reported by WBTV. They will focus on transition plans and housing options, emphasizing a secure shift to more stable living conditions.

With a continued dedication to aid, the Center of Hope Facility will still provide a Food Pantry, Case Management, and Emergency Financial Services. Gastonia Mayor Richard Franks and Gaston County officials are in full support of the endeavor. "The City of Gastonia and Gaston County acknowledge the need for essential services that the Salvation Army provides and we will support this transition to further serve those who are experiencing homelessness," Mayor Franks explained, in a statement obtained by the City's official website.

The shift in strategy was the product of collective deliberations by the organization’s volunteer-led Advisory Board and informed by a study which involved more than 70 community members. “We want to assure the public that this transition does not signify an end to our commitment to serving those in need within our community,” Chad Brown, Chairman of the Gaston County Board of Commissioners, mentioned about the provision of essential services available to those who require assistance, in a statement reported by the City's official website. Emphasizing synergy during this period of change, he recognized the "importance of working together to support our community members during this transition period."