Community House Under the Care of Salvation Army in Boise

IDAHO -- Yesterday, the Boise City Council on Friday decided to put the Salvation Army in charge of management of Community House for the next three to six months. The decision has pleased the Community House Board members but not the people who work and live at the house.

Mayor Dave Bieter said, "We know that the situation was real tough and our anticipation was that it couldn't stay open very much longer.¡±

On the other hand Shirleane Hayes, the executive director of the Intermountain Fair Housing Council reported about the complaints made by people at Community House regarding the change.

"It's a very sad thing. I'm afraid of what is going to go on down there when they find out there is going to be a change," she said. "The last time there were suicide threats, it was horrible."

People in the community are concerned over this issue because the Salvation Army is a faith-based organization. Last year people opposed to the idea of handing over the shelter to Boise Rescue Mission thinking families would separate once the faith-based organization takes over operation.

Major Jack Phillips said they would thoughtfully evaluate the procedures and move towards what will benefit the Community House.

"We were just contacted Friday about whether or not we could do this," he said. "It is our intent to evaluate all of the properties, the programs, the personnel and make decisions that will benefit the Community House and the community. Basically, what do we have to do to keep the doors open."