Salvation Army of Harrisburg Capital City Region, Harrisburg, PA

The TSA Center opened in September 2019. Since the start of the pandemic their new expanded headquarters has been in emergency mode, providing more food assistance than in the entire previous year.  A million meals have been provided, compared to the 250,000 meals provided in the year before. Additionally, 60 children were enrolled in the 2020 summer Youth Enrichment Program and the new School Day Enrichment Program Center, provide a safe, supervised, supported learning environment for school age students enrolled in virtual-only schooling or combination in-person and virtual schooling due to the Pandemic.

The Salvation Army (TSA) is far more than red kettles and thrift stores. The new 38,898 square foot Center expands their mission of “Doing the Most Good” in aiding current and emerging needs of the regions children and families with outreach programs, partnering with schools, churches and community groups.

The facility was designed with the latest lean trends using private, collaborative and flex spaces, passive and active security. The new mixed-use facility offers: a reception area, administrative offices, multi-purpose rooms, a Chapel (also mixed use), counseling areas, classrooms, a gymnasium, a daily breakfast serving kitchen/dining area, an educational kitchen, a Choice Pantry, heated garage, parking lot, outdoor recreation area and garden, plus a warehouse. Photos courtesy of Mike Mihalo Photography and the Salvation Army of Harrisburg Capital City Region.

The project was recognized by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission with the 2019 Timothy P. Reardon Excellence in Planning Award. The project was judged from the submitted entries to be the overall very best project in all of the project categories in meeting the County Comprehensive Plan’s goals and objectives.