Washington County officials defer Salvation Army emergency shelter fund request

The Washington County Budget Committee deferred the Salvation Army of Johnson City's request for $60,000 to fund its winter shelter programs at its meeting Tuesday morning. The local dollars would help fund the nonprofit's White and Red Flag programs. The White Flag program, which saw a more than 45% increase in demand this past winter, provides additional shelter to people without housing when temperatures drop below 35 degrees overnight. This is the first year the organization plans to launch a Red Flag program providing additional 24/7 shelter during inclement weather conditions. Committee members unanimously passed a motion to send the request back to the public safety committee for "more clarification," Commissioner Richard Tucker said before the motion was made. Officials agreed the funding is needed for the organization's programs, but said a more "defined" plan is needed before sending a resolution to the full commission. Corps Officer Maureen Diffley told officials current funding for the programs comes from community donations and the nonprofit "does not have the reserves for a full year of operations." The organization only receives federal funding for its veteran services, Diffley said. The nonprofit's budget for its Red and White Flag programs is $114,000, according to a document Diffley provided to officials. She said the cost includes increased utilities, on-site personnel and rent for overflow spaces. "The Salvation Army made a commitment," Diffley said about adding its Red Flag program this winter. "We know that cold temperatures are coming, probably even this weekend, and we will open our doors. But it is a burden that is placed on the nonprofit when we have conditions that are emergency standard, because people would die." Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy said during this year's cold, snowy conditions, the Washington County and Johnson City Emergency Management Agency stepped up and helped people without homes find warm shelter. A WCJCEMA staff member present at the Tuesday meeting said the agency does not have the staff or the funds to provide services to unhoused people in these conditions. He said during these situations, the agency's focus is county-wide, and the bulk of their work is needed to aid both the sheriff's office and the highway department. The county's approval of the request is contingent upon Johnson City matching the $60,000. No decision has been made by the city to allocate the funds, but Diffley said she has been in discussion with city officials. Washington County does not provide any funding to local nonprofits. Meredith said this was eliminated nearly 10 years ago. County officials will revisit the request at its December committee meetings.