The Salvation Army has returned to Castle Rock after a seven-year absence – spurred by an increasing number of Douglas County residents applying for help at its Centennial and Englewood offices.
The Christian aid agency is forging an alliance with a local social service group to help Douglas County families avoid homelessness.
“Contrary to popular belief, there is definitely a homeless population in Douglas County,” said Capt. Lisa Smith, who is leading the Salvation Army expansion.
“As cities such as Castle Rock grow, more people come for the service-sector jobs, and many of them are one hiccup away from crisis,” Smith said.
There was a 35 percent rise in service-sector jobs in Douglas County from 2000 to 2005, while the population jumped 43 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor and the State Demography Office.
The Salvation Army is supplementing rent, utility and food assistance people get from its partner, the Douglas/ Elbert Task Force, which has helped people at risk of homelessness since 1984.
The task force donated space to the Salvation Army for its office to screen applicants. The office opened in April.
The task force provides one-time payments of up to $250 toward rent or mortgage for those facing eviction or foreclosure. It also has a food bank and thrift store.
The rising cost of gasoline and lack of public transportation contributed to the organization’s decision to head into Castle Rock, Salvation Army spokesman Roger Miller said.
“We were concerned that there must be more people who couldn’t make it to us for help,” Miller said.
The Salvation Army opened a church and service center in Castle Rock in 1995, but it was closed in 2000, “ironically from a lack of need,” Miller said.
The county had the second- highest median household annual income in the nation in 2005 – $92,732, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Still, 2.1 percent of Douglas County families live below the federal poverty line, according to the Census Bureau, compared with 10 percent statewide and 12 percent nationally.
“Many are working folks who could make it otherwise,” Smith said. “Most don’t like to ask for help. They’re too embarrassed and won’t even ask friends or family.”
She said they expect to help about 600 people in the first year.
The Salvation Army’s office is located at 404A Jerry St. and is open only on Fridays, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Staff writer David Migoya can be reached at 303-954-1506 or dmigoya@denverpost.com.
