KISSIMMEE, Fla. — You know them for their famous red kettles but the Salvation Army is doing so much more. The Osceola Service Center has a new office and Alves Gonzalez is the man behind this unit.
- New Salvation Army service center opening in Kissimmee
- Will offer food pantry, clothing assistance, doctor on site
- Eventually will help with One Stop Center
“We are here in order to change the situation we have in Osceola County,” Gonzalez said. “And I see Osceola County moving forward with new people, changed people, etc etc.”
The Preservers of Destinies, a mental health clinic on East Vine Street in Kissimmee, is temporarily housing the office for the Salvation Army Osceola Service Center at no cost.
The center will have a food pantry, provide vouchers for clothes, and offer mental health care and a medical doctor on site. Gonzalez said his heart and soul is involved in this project.
“For me, assist people, help people, is part of my life,” Gonzalez explained.
Wednesday afternoon, the Salvation Army had its first meeting, inviting leaders to take part in their advisory council. The council will not just give advice to the service center, but will also be part of a new venture focusing on the homeless, a One Stop Resource Center.
“The biggest issue being no affordable housing. So the Salvation Army is partnering with the Commissioner Peggy Choudhry,” said Captain Ken Chapman, the area commander for Salvation Army Orlando. “We’re going to join hands, and very soon we’ll have a big announcement about a new Resource Center to help people in this part of Central Florida.”
Gonzalez said he can’t wait for all that is to come. “I feel great. I feel in peace when I can assist somebody,” he added.
The Osceola Service Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Phone: 407-870-7643
- Address:
1621 East Vine Street, Unit A
Kissimmee, FL 34744