What's Happening in Davenport, IA…

The Salvation Army that has been housed in Davenport’s Old Iowa Building for more than 27 years is moving, and the building may be the next apartment renovation effort in the city’s downtown.

The building is located on the corner of Harrison and 6th streets, and is a large brick structure that was originally an apartment building, so it is now returning to its prior status. The building was known as The Roosevelt, and is still laid out as a block of apartments, with as many as 32 units serving to house homeless families until permanent housing is found.

Bill Horrell is the Salvation Army’s development director, and he recently confirmed that an offer to purchase the building was accepted. Closure of the deal is contingent upon the buyer successfully concluding its due diligence. Developers working on projects like this can use brochure printing to advertise the units when they are ready.

The Salvation Army is leaving its long-time home because it is changing its methods for helping the homeless. The changes are being implemented throughout the organization, in hopes that the Army can prevent homelessness by addressing the basic causes of poverty.

The idea is to identify at-risk families and work with them before they lose their housing. If that’s not possible, the Army wants to get them into permanent housing quickly, in homes scattered around the city at sites such as long-term motels and apartments.