New leaders at Tupelo Salvation Army take helm during expansion

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – There are new leaders at the only homeless shelter for North Mississippi.

When Majors Ray and Whitney Morton started their new assignment at the Tupelo Salvation Army in June, renovations to the Community Center, also known as the feeding area, were about to start.

“It’s gone very fast and very exciting, I know they’ve been working on these plans, blueprints for years,” said Maj. Ray Morton.

Most recently, the Mortons served in Shreveport, Louisiana before coming to Tupelo.

Along with the Community Center renovations, which will include a new kitchen, walk-in coolers, new A/C units, and better lighting, there is also the new shelter that will have rooms for families.

The Jim Ingram Red Shield Lodge is complete.

Now, furniture is being moved into place. Throughout remodeling and renovations, the community has been a major help.

“We have had our women’s auxiliary, advisory board and all community groups, step up to the plate, come in, and help us as we go through this time of transition, those growing pains, to help make those pains ease up a little bit,” said Maj. Whitney Morton.

Without a doubt, those growing pains have not only been challenging for the staff, but also those who depend on the services of the Salvation.

Majors Ray and Whitney Morton know once the renovations are complete, the Salvation Army will be better equipped to serve those in need.

“We’re going to be sure we provide people a safe place, place where they can come in and feel they are treated with dignity, and given an opportunity, it’s all about giving people an opportunity, to get back on their feet, to maybe even right their life,” said Maj. Ray Morton.

The renovated Community Center, along with the new shelter, could be opened by early October. In the meantime, the Red Shield Lodge is still providing shelter for the homeless.

The Mortons said Tupelo has several factors driving its homeless population, including, its location along the I-22 corridor, a shortage of housing and summer months, which typically see a rise in homelessness.