Transforming Lives: A new campus for The Salvation Army in San Bernardino

The new campus will expand shelter, food distribution and supportive services for the hungry, homeless and hopeless

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Four people pose beside an architectural rendering at an indoor event, including two uniformed Salvation Army officers and two men in formal attire.
Photo caption: Architect’s rendering of the new Salvation Army San Bernardino County headquarters. From left: Lt. Col. Mike Dickinson, Southern California Division commander; Greg A. James, principal and vice president at MMA Architects; and Majors Christin and Adam Morales.

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.— The Salvation Army has launched a $30 million capital campaign to build a new consolidated campus in the heart of San Bernardino, bringing shelter services, food operations, warehousing and administrative functions together in one location. The Army recently unveiled plans at the Redlands Country Club.

The campus is designed to respond to the region’s growing unhoused population and nearly double The Salvation Army’s impact for individuals and families working to overcome homelessness, substance abuse and generational poverty.

The Salvation Army has committed $10 million from its building fund, generated by the sale of previous facilities, and is seeking $20 million from donors and community partners. Negotiations are underway for an approximately five-acre site. Escrow is expected to close on December 14, 2026, with a final deadline for consolidation by 2031.

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Dickinson announced that Cathy Chappel and the family of the late Skip launched the campaign with a $750,000 lead gift.

“This consolidated facility is more than a building; it’s an investment in San Bernardino’s future,” said Major Adam Morales, Commander of The Salvation Army San Bernardino County Corps. “By combining our shelter, food and administrative services, we can reduce operational costs and redirect resources directly to those who need them most.”

The new campus will expand family shelter capacity, grow food distribution, strengthen prevention and early intervention programs, and include warehouse space to support rapid response during disasters.

Bringing these services together will create a more accessible path to stability for people in crisis. Families will be able to receive food, shelter and personalized support at one coordinated campus, while staff and volunteers can collaborate more efficiently. The centralized location will also strengthen partnerships with businesses, faith communities and public agencies across the region.

Man speaking at a podium beside another man and a Salvation Army banner reading “Doing the Most Good.”
Photo Caption for DZ69235.jpg: For nearly 26 years, Bill Lemann has brought humor, heart and community spirit to the Red Kettle Kickoff. “His lifelong dedication to San Bernardino inspires support for The Salvation Army and our neighbors in need,” said Brian Cronin.

Campaign co-chairs Tom Brickley and Wilfred “Bill” Leman, longtime Salvation Army supporters, are leading the effort.

“Over the next two years, we’re working to raise $30 million to build a new headquarters that will strengthen The Salvation Army’s service to our community. With $10 million committed by The Salvation Army Southern California Division and a generous gift from Cathy Chappel, we have strong momentum, and we need your help to close the gap and bring this vision to life,” said Leman.

“We have three years to raise $20 million and create a lasting source of hope for our community. Every gift and connection brings this vision closer to reality,” Brickley said.

Greg James, principal and vice president of MMA Architect, is designing the Salvation Army’s new home in San Bernardino County.

The Salvation Army helps many people in need in our community. In 2025, The Salvation Army of San Bernardino County served more than 30,000 people, providing 116,450 meals, groceries for 11,478 families, and utility assistance for 523 households.

The Hospitality House provided more than 36,000 nights of shelter to families experiencing homelessness, and 247 individuals were rapidly rehoused.

The Salvation Army welcomes financial gifts, in-kind donations and partnerships from individuals, businesses and government agencies. To donate, visit SalArmy.us/TransformingLives.

For more information, contact Major Adam Morales at (909) 792-6868 at Adam.Morales@usw.SalvationArmy.org, or Campaign Director Robin Dunn at Robin.Dunn@usw.SalvationArmy.org.

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