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The Salvation Army White Shield Center News

 

Portland, OR  (June 22, 2020) - The Salvation Army White Shield Center has a long history and presence in Portland, OR. The program began as a maternity home and hospital for teens in 1899 and moved to its present location in 1920. 

At present, residents are referred to The Salvation Army White Shield Center by the State of Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and Oregon Youth Authority (OYA). The center provides intensive residential behavioral rehabilitation services with evidence-based curricula and practices in partnership with Portland Public Schools. The goal has always been to teach each resident the skills they need for positive long-term outcomes.

After careful analysis, The Salvation Army has decided to close the White Shield Center because of inadequate funding from the state at the level required to provide specialized care. “This has been a very difficult decision for The Salvation Army to make. As a provider of compassionate care, we never want to close a program that serves people in need, but we can no longer operate a program in a financial deficit. With limited funding, we have to realign our priorities in order to keep all of our programs financially healthy,” said Major Robert Lloyd, The Salvation Army Portland Metro Coordinator. 

The Salvation Army worked closely with the Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Youth Authority to transition each of the 21 girls living at the White Shield Center.

In addition, The Salvation Army is committed to helping the 53 staff find another position that maximizes their experience in another Salvation Army program in the Portland Metro area.  

The Salvation Army continues to operate four shelters and four food pantries in the Portland Metro area:

  • The Salvation Army Veterans and Family Center 
  • The Salvation Army West Women’s and Children’s Shelter 
  • The Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter
  • The Salvation Army Silvercrest 
  • The Salvation Army Gresham Corps and Community Center 
  • The Salvation Army Moore Street Corps and Community Center in North Portland
  • The Salvation Army Portland Tabernacle in NE Portland 
  • The Salvation Army Tualatin Valley Service Center in Hillsboro

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