COVER STORY 28 february 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South florida edition One hundred years ago, as Fort Lauderdale was still finding its footing, The Salvation Army of Broward took root with a simple mission to serve those in need facing hunger or homelessness, while strengthening the community. Known for their iconic Red Kettles manned by cheery bell ringers who seek donations for the needy at Christmastime, The Salvation Army’s facilities and services are extensive and far reaching. Part of an international movement that began in 19th-century England, The Salvation Army was founded by William and Catherine Booth who decided to take the gospel beyond traditional church walls and into the streets of London, where they preached to the poor, homeless and marginalized. The name, “Salvation Army,” reflects their vision of a disciplined force fighting spiritual and social injustice, a culture that remains today. The movement spread rapidly around the world and is now present in 134 countries. As The Salvation Army marks its centennial in Broward, it honors the pioneer families and civic leaders whose generosity laid its foundations, charting a course for the next hundred years under the leadership of Major Juan Guadalupe, and guided by a strong, engaged Advisory Board. In Broward the need is growing fast. According to the Florida Council on Homelessness’ 2025 Point-in-Time count, 2,636 individuals are experiencing homelessness in Broward County, including both sheltered and unsheltered residents. The figure represents a nearly 7% increase from the previous year and underscores why The Salvation Army’s mission remains critical. A holistic approach A Salvation Army officer with more than 25 years of service, Guadalupe arrived in Broward in June 2023 after holding seven leadership appointments across the Southeast. A Master of Divinity graduate, he spent 17 years as a pastor balancing ministry with multiple jobs prior to joining The Salvation Army, including missionary work in Venezuela. Guadalupe said he was drawn to The Salvation Army by their holistic approach to ministry. “I was working on my master’s degree in Chicago when a professor took our class to the Salvation Army,” Guadalupe said. “I realized they were a church, but they were also feeding people, clothing people and serving those on the street. I went home and told my wife, ‘This is incredible.’ We started praying, and a few months later the door opened.” According to Guadalupe, Salvation Army officers undergo two years of training at The Salvation Army College in Atlanta, Georgia, spending the first year on Bible classes and the second year in social services, administration, financial and fundraising classes in preparation for management. Once assigned a command, Guadalupe said he gets paid “just a modest stipend along with the provision of a house and car,” making less than many on his staff. “For me, faith is not separate from leadership,” Guadalupe said. “I’m a pastor first. When duty calls – when someone is in the hospital or in crisis – that comes before any meeting, every time… The hardest part as a Salvation Army officer is to keep the balance, to make sure you’re taking care of the congregation, doing God’s will, and at the same time handling the other part: fundraising, administration, programs, staff.” According to Bob Moorman, longtime Salvation Army of Broward Advisory Board member and owner of Carroll’s Jewelers, “The mission of The Salvation Army is God-centered. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, house the homeless—that comes straight out of the Bible. That’s what Jesus Christ taught, and that’s what the Salvation Army does. They put the words of Jesus into physical action.” Expanding services for a growing need Bringing with him a business mindset from years in retail, Guadalupe also had a strong commitment to stewardship and community engagement. He arrived with a clear set of priorities: to stabilize and strengthen the organization financially by growing reserves and trust funds, refocus resources on mission-driven programs that directly serve people in need, build strong leadership infrastructure through an engaged Advisory Board to ensure continuity beyond officer transitions, and position the Salvation Army as a trusted and visible community leader among local government, partners and donors. The Salvation Army of Broward County’s expansive facilities and services include • The Administrative offices, emergency shelter, dining hall and food pantry, at 1445 W. Broward Blvd., which includes the Open Door Shelter, • Plymouth Colony Transitional Housing apartment complex for families in Hollywood, • The Adult Rehabilitation Center, 1901 W Broward Blvd, supported by • Thrift stores located at five locations, • The Corps Community Center, at 100 SW 9th Ave., home to a thriving church. • The Red Kettle Campaign at Christmas that raises funds for families in need. • The Angel Tree program, that provided holiday gifts for 4,330 underprivileged children in 2025. • Case management with a focus on economic empowerment and employment. • Emergency Disaster Relief and more! One of the key initiatives under Guadalupe’s leadership is the planned expansion of the Open Door Shelter, a low-barrier entry point for individuals experiencing homelessness. The expansion, which would add approximately 49 to 50 additional beds, grew out of internal discussions led in part by Lilly Gallardo, senior director of social services. The project is designed not only to increase overnight capacity, but also to serve as a gateway, connecting individuals to case management, transitional housing options and long-term stabilization. Funding for the expansion includes some federal support already secured, with planning and design work underway. The need for such services has intensified over the decades. The Salvation Army of Broward now operates with an annual budget approaching $13 million, making it one of the largest Salvation Army entities in Florida with the capacity to house up to 400 people on any given night. Programs include emergency shelter, transitional housing, food assistance, rehabilitation services, case management and spiritual care. For Guadalupe, stewarding resources well is a priority. “If I’m going to invest $100, I want to get $200 or $300 back, not for myself, but for the mission,” he said. However, many people underestimate the scale and cost of their work. “We help thousands of people on a yearly basis, feeding them, clothing them, housing them. And sometimes people don't realize how much effort and money it takes to operate. For instance, Plymouth Colony transitional apartment complex has 36 apartments for The Salvation Army of Broward Marks 100 Years of Doing the Most Good Shelly Pond Good News Editor Early Salvation Army headquarters on First Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale, circa 1930. Major Juan Guadalupe
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