Donations from local agencies have led to the completion of a new outdoor dining area at the Salvation Army in Watsonville.
The Second Harvest Food Bank, the Santa Cruz Community Foundation and a local citizen, were the primary donors for the 50-by-33-foot metal canopy that now stands above 14 wood picnic benches, refurbished by the Freedom Rotary Club in the outdoor patio at the Salvation Army on Union Street.
Until now, people seeking meals provided by the Salvation Army typically ate on the lawn out front, on surrounding sidewalks and curbs and concrete planters.
“I am so grateful for all of you that stepped forward to help our community,” said Salvation Army advisory board chair Trina Coffman-Gomez. “The Salvation Army has been here since 1891, we’re not going anywhere and we are very solid and stable in this community.”
She went on to thank several local churches and Tila Bañuelos, a long standing advisory board member at the Salvation Army for pitching in to create the $120,000 canopy and upcoming projects.
“We serve around 100 people each night, and that is largely thanks to our community,” Coffman-Gomez said before several people cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the new gathering spot.
With that, a string of people who were lined up at the gate on Union Street were welcomed in to dine on the new benches under a safe and dry roof.
Next in line at the Salvation Army is a $500,000 major kitchen upgrade, and the demolition of the Navigation Center that once offered 24 beds a night. That facility will be leveled and a crew from Watsonville Wetlands Watch will plant several trees to create a shady garden area.
