The Salvation Army hopes to reopen a long-shuttered community center soon that could make a huge difference in North Philadelphia.

In the early days of 2022, Gun violence and murders continued to plague parts of the city. However, several community groups, including the Salvation Army’s Philadelphia Temple in North Philly, have joined forces to try and address the violence.

Salvation Army officers, Lieutenants Chris and Tara Brown did some research and found that 90 percent of the recreation and community centers in Philadelphia have closed in the past two years.

The programming is desperately needed in the area. Chris Brown said besides a lack of activities for young people, the neighborhood is plagued by a breakdown of families and poverty.

With the need so urgent, the Browns hope to reopen the community center “as soon as possible,” probably sometime this year.

To learn more about The Salvation Army in North Philadelphia, visit 

https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/eastern-pennsylvania/greater-philadelphia/