Salvation Army taking over homeless shelter

The Salvation Army in Charlottetown is taking over ownership of Bedford MacDonald House, the Island's only shelter for homeless men, after all, thanks to a major donation from an anonymous Island businessman.

The church scrapped plans last fall to take over the homeless shelter when costly repairs came to light.

Salvation Army Captain Jamie Locke said a businessman has now stepped forward with $100,000 for the repairs and purchasing, and another $100,000 to help with operational costs over the next five years.

"It's just a fantastic support and we are so grateful that this need and this urgency has been recognized by our donor and we are so grateful for the support from that gentleman," Locke said. "It is phenomenal."

Locke said the city and province have also provided support, and the legal paperwork for the transfer of ownership is being dealt with and should be complete by mid-November.

He said the shelter, which is currently being run by a group representing several local churches, will likely close at the end of this month for the renovations.

Locke says the renovations will double the shelter's capacity, to accommodate up to 12 men.

The homeless shelter was involved in controversy in the spring of 2011 when a former employee was charged with the sexual assault of a client.

Locke said the new staff will be hired under Salvation Army policies and guidelines.

The shelter is expected to re-open by the first of December.