STUART — Publix Super Markets Charities recently donated $15,000 to support The Salvation Army’s Compassion House, its transitional homeless shelter for women and women with children. Since opening in 2012 in Stuart, more than 600 women and children have lived at the shelter with an ever-growing wait list.

The Compassion House facility has eight bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, as well as a children’s playground and playroom, laundry room, computer workspace, and dining area. While living at Compassion House, each resident receives shelter, meals, and clothing. The women meet regularly for one-on-one counseling and receive access to resources designed to develop the skills needed to become self-sufficient. Additionally, the program is free, allowing residents to focus on achieving financial independence by not being burdened by bills. The goal is not only to help the women find and maintain stable employment and housing but also to help them become more resilient should they face a financial crisis in the future. The program boasts a high success rate as very few of its “graduates” fall back into homelessness.

Captain Sheena Marquis, local corps officer, expressed gratitude for Publix Super Markets Charities’ ongoing partnership, saying, “Because of their generosity, we can continue providing shelter to women and children who are transitioning out of homelessness. We look forward to serving many more families because of this grant, offering not only a safe place to stay and seek opportunity but hope where there was only despair.”

For more information about The Salvation Army of Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee Counties and the services they provide to the local community, visit salvationarmyflorida.org/martincounty or call 772-288-1471.