Friday night’s storm left the Salvation Army Area Command and Center for Hope on West Elmira and North Flores with a torn roof and water intrusion. Despite the damage, the nonprofit shelter remains open to serve the community’s most vulnerable residents.

Continuing care amid repairs

San Antonio Area Commander Major Jeremiah Romack told KSAT that about 140 people were staying at the center before the storm. By Saturday evening, the number had dropped to roughly 100 as some residents found temporary housing with friends or family.

Power was still out when reporters visited Saturday afternoon, but the organization secured a generator and a few portable air‑conditioning units to keep the facility habitable. “We want to minimize moving them just because we don’t want to re‑traumatize anybody,” Romack said, emphasizing the shelter’s commitment to stability and progress for its guests.

Planned suspension of senior programming

The Center for Hope also runs a weekday program for seniors that provides meals and activities. Romack indicated that this programming will likely be suspended until the building’s water damage is fully assessed and repaired.

Workers began covering the exposed roof with tarps on Saturday, but Romack warned that full repairs could take weeks. “There’s a lot of moving parts and just, you know, continue to work on it,” he said. “Work hard, pray hard, and it’ll all come together.”

Community support and resilience

The shelter’s ability to stay operational reflects the broader resilience of San Antonio’s nonprofit sector. Local volunteers and donors have already offered assistance, and the Salvation Army is coordinating with city officials to ensure the shelter can continue providing essential services.

As the community watches the repairs progress, the focus remains on keeping the shelter’s residents safe, fed, and hopeful during this challenging time.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.