In an effort to house more homeless women and children the Salvation Army has restructured its Booth Center.

Major Abe Tamayo with the Salvation Army said the floor plan has been modified to encompass a shift in the demographics of the homeless in Buchanan County.

“Our peer agencies which comprise much of the local Continuum of Care expressed the pressing need for women and children housing and meal,” Tamayo said. “The changes made are in direct response to those needs.”

The Salvation Army has relocated all single men to one side of the center.  Single women and families only will occupy the other wing.  The changes increase the number of beds for single women from four to 13, more than tripling capacity and freeing up an entire family room.  The agency said it also increases security.  Booth Center hours have also been expanded to 11 p.m. daily.

“We look forward to the many positive outcomes of our policy enhancements and reconfiguration,” Tamayo said.

He said the Salvation Army is working with the St. Joseph Police Department, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and the YWCA.

The Red Kettle Campaign fundraiser to benefit the Salvation Army is still underway.  As of Thursday morning bell ringers have raised around 27-percent of the agency’s $349,000 goal.  Funds raised help to sustain operations for the entire year.