The Salvation Army of Fitchburg Launches Public Phase of $2 Million Capital Campaign

FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Salvation Army of Fitchburg today officially launched the public phase of its “Building Change in Our Community” Capital Campaign, a $2 million community fundraising effort to construct a new, purpose-built Corps Community Center at 739 Water Street. The announcement was made during a special event held in conjunction with National Salvation Army Week, with The Salvation Army staff, leaders, advisory board members, city officials, and community supporters in attendance.

The Fitchburg Corps Center has served the greater Montachusett region, including Fitchburg, Leominster, and Lunenburg, for more than 133 years. In 2023, The Salvation Army in Fitchburg provided 30,150 meals, distributed 2,202 grocery parcels, and served 5,503 individuals across its social services programs. Despite that reach, the current building, constructed in 1950, has not seen significant expansion and can no longer accommodate the growing demand for feeding programs, youth services, and emergency assistance.

The campaign aims to raise $2 million from the community and private donors to support a total project cost estimated at $5 million. The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division and Territorial Headquarters have committed the remaining $3 million, and there will be no private borrowing or bond issuance. A lead anonymous challenge gift of $1 million has already been pledged, matching dollar-for-dollar any additional gift of $10,000 or more. With 75% of the campaign goal now secured, the public phase launches with strong momentum.

“For 133 years, The Salvation Army has been a place where people in Fitchburg, Leominster, and Lunenburg come when they have nowhere else to turn,” says Envoy Lynnette Valentine-Warren, Corps Officer, The Salvation Army of Fitchburg. “Our team has done extraordinary work in a building that has long exceeded its limits. This new facility will finally give us the space to serve our neighbors the way they deserve to be served, and to grow our programs for the families, seniors, and young people who need us most.”

The proposed new facility will be an 8,000-square-foot, purpose-built building on the current site at 739 Water Street, offering 50% more usable space than the existing structure. It will include a fully equipped professional kitchen, an expanded food pantry, versatile classrooms and community meeting space, a chapel, ADA-compliant restrooms, and multi-purpose areas. Construction timelines are dependent on the completion of fundraising.

“This campaign is about what Fitchburg stands for,” says Amy Green, Campaign Committee Chair and Fitchburg City Councilor. “The Salvation Army has been here through every hardship this community has faced, and now it’s our turn to invest in them. We are already three-quarters of the way to our goal because local leaders and donors understand the urgency. We are asking the broader community to join us and get this done.”

The Salvation Army of Fitchburg serves as an anchor institution for one of Massachusetts' Gateway Cities, a region where poverty rates and food insecurity have increased significantly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The site currently provides direct services to an average of 10% of the local population annually, including through its food pantry, youth programs,holiday toy distributions, warming and cooling centers, and emergency disaster services that reached more than 3,300 individuals in 2023.

Community members and businesses interested in supporting the campaign can learn more by contacting The Salvation Army of Fitchburg at 739 Water St. or visiting www.salvationarmyma.org/fitchburg.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army helps more than 28 million people in nearly every zip code in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from substance abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at our more than 7,400 centers of operation around the country. In 2024, Forbes ranked The Salvation Army 6th in its list of America’s Top 100 Charities. And in 2021, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked The Salvation Army 2nd on its list of “America’s Favorite Charities.” For more information about supporting The Salvation Army or your local service centers, visit salvationarmyma.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.