The Salvation Army Center of Hope

Building Hope for the Cape Fear Community 

Project Highlights

• Built for The Salvation Army of Cape Fear
• 20,500 SF Emergency Shelter & Community Services Facility
• Located in Wilmington, North Carolina
• 75 bed capacity
• Completed in 2025

The Salvation Army Center of Hope is a transformational project that reflects the power of construction to strengthen communities. Designed to provide safety, dignity, and a pathway toward stability, the new facility serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout the Cape Fear region.

Situated on a 22-acre campus in Wilmington, the 20,500-square-foot Center of Hope replaces an aging emergency shelter with a modern, purpose-built facility featuring 75 beds for men, women, and families, including dedicated family suites. Beyond emergency shelter, the Center offers case management, life-skills training, dining facilities, laundry services, and other wraparound resources designed to help residents transition toward long-term independence.

McKinley Building Corporation proudly served as General Contractor, partnering with The Salvation Army of Cape Fear, LS3P, and McKim & Creed to bring this vision to life. Through close collaboration and thoughtful planning, the team delivered a welcoming, trauma-informed environment that will serve the community for decades to come.

As Major Ken Morris shared during the grand opening:

“This building represents more than just brick and mortar—it embodies hope.”

At McKinley, we believe the best projects leave a lasting impact long after construction is complete. The Center of Hope stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when visionary organizations and dedicated project partners come together to build something that truly changes lives.