A Mission Rooted in Hope
“This project was a powerful reminder of how many lives the Salvation Army touches every day,” Bethel says. “Its impact on the community is tremendous, especially knowing it is happening right down the street from where we work.”
November 04, 2026
Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, The Salvation Army Center of Hope stands as a renewed commitment to serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Formerly known as the Red Shield Services shelter, the facility was rebranded to reflect its expanded mission and long-term vision for impact across Metro Atlanta.
This project represents a significant expansion of the existing campus. A new five-story tower addition doubles the shelter’s footprint to more than 90,000 square feet. The growth added 116 beds, increasing total capacity to 437 beds serving men, women, and families in crisis.
Beyond increasing residential capacity, the expansion introduced a new Education and Workforce Development Center. This dedicated space provides shelter residents and members of the surrounding community with access to job training, skill development, and resources that support long-term independence.
Two full floors are reserved specifically for veterans and include private two-bedroom suites designed to offer greater stability and comfort. The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta’s veteran programs support former service members for up to two years, as case managers work alongside clients to secure permanent housing, obtain benefits, and pursue employment opportunities.
As the needs of Atlanta’s unhoused population continue to evolve, the Center of Hope was designed to adapt. Its flexible structure allows leadership to pivot services and programming to meet the most urgent needs within the community. The guiding principle throughout the project was simple and powerful: changing lives with dignity.
Designing for Safety, Simplicity, and Respect
With LDDBlueline guiding the interior vision and turnerboone coordinating procurement and installation, the design team worked collaboratively to create an environment that balances performance with humanity.
For Milli Dunkin, principal at LDDBlueline, the approach was clear from the start. The design strategy needed to be practical, durable, and grounded in purpose.
The design approach was intentionally straightforward. Paint, vinyl tile flooring, and resilient finishes formed the foundation of the space. The goal was not luxury, but longevity and ease of maintenance.
Dunkin explains, “The design focused on simple, thoughtful choices that help the space feel welcoming and familiar, reinforcing dignity for the individuals the facility serves.”
Accent walls introduce visual interest within dormitory rooms, while color coded flooring supports intuitive wayfinding throughout the building. Every decision was made with durability, inclusivity, and dignity in mind. Furniture selections prioritized durability and comfort while preserving a residential feel, creating a careful balance in a high use environment that must withstand significant daily wear.
Shared television areas were designed to accommodate diverse needs. Several chairs include arms to provide support, while select armless options ensure accessibility for residents of all sizes. Seating needed to feel substantial and secure while remaining manageable for staff to reposition as needed. Upholstery selections were chosen for resilience and cleanability in shared environments.
“It needed to look like home, but it had to perform,” Dunkin says.
The result is a transitional housing environment that feels respectful and supportive while meeting rigorous operational demands.
The Role of Furniture
Identifying the right furniture partner was critical to achieving the project’s goals.
After evaluating multiple manufacturers, the team selected Kwalu for its high-performance construction and proprietary Protea finish. The non-porous surface resists scratches, moisture, and impact while maintaining the appearance of natural wood.
During a showroom visit, durability was put to the test.
“They took a baseball bat and started beating on the furniture,” Dunkin says. “The bat bent, and you can still buff out the scratches.”
Customization was a critical component of the furniture specification. The team required the addition of a plinth base to eliminate exposed legs, allowing for efficient cleaning in shared spaces. Kwalu responded quickly with a customized solution that aligned with both performance and maintenance standards.
Ultimately, four custom variations of the selected chair were specified, including arm and armless options with multiple upholstery selections. Durable casegoods were also incorporated in select spaces, offering a residential appearance with long-term performance benefits.
“They’ll replace the fabric long before they ever replace the chair,” Dunkin notes.
The decision to specify Kwalu reflected a commitment to long-term performance and lifecycle value, ensuring the furnishings would serve the Center of Hope for years to come.
A Community Investment in Hope
The impact of the Center of Hope expansion was clear at its ribbon cutting ceremony, where nearly 200 supporters, partners, and civic leaders gathered to mark the milestone. The event reflected the collective effort behind the project and the shared belief in its long-term significance for Metro Atlanta.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens recognized The Salvation Army for more than 135 years of service in the community and emphasized the importance of public and private partnerships in addressing homelessness and economic inequality. The expansion, he noted, represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening support systems for those most in need.
For Kate Bethel, who served as the A+D business development liaison for turnerboone on this project, the experience highlighted the depth of service taking place within her own community.
“This project was a powerful reminder of how many lives the Salvation Army touches every day,” Bethel says. “Its impact on the community is tremendous, especially knowing it is happening right down the street from where we work.”
For Dunkin, the significance of the project became deeply personal at the ceremony. In recognition of her contribution, she was presented with a commemorative coin by Salvation Army leadership, a gesture traditionally reserved for meaningful service within the organization.
“It didn’t really hit me until that moment,” she says. “You don’t realize how much it means until you see what it’s going to do for people.”
The Salvation Army Center of Hope is more than additional square footage. It is a place where stability begins and opportunity is rebuilt. Through intentional design, resilient materials, and collaborative partnership, the expansion reinforces a collective commitment to dignity and respect for every life it serves.
Project Challenges
The Salvation Army Center of Hope expansion presented a unique set of challenges that required thoughtful planning and durable solutions.
To double the shelter’s footprint and increase total capacity to 437 beds while maintaining a cohesive connection to the existing facility.
To design spaces that preserve dignity and avoid an institutional appearance, while meeting the rigorous demands of transitional housing.
To furnish high-use dormitory and shared community areas with furniture solutions that balance durability, comfort, and inclusivity.
To create a cohesive and residential aesthetic across five floors, including veteran-specific suites and workforce development spaces.
To select materials that are cleanable, low maintenance, and capable of performing under intensive use.
To deliver long-term value within budget constraints while prioritizing lifecycle durability.
Kwalu Solutions:
Through high-performance construction and material innovation, Kwalu delivered:
Furniture engineered to withstand intensive daily use in transitional housing environments.
A proprietary Protea finish that resists scratches, moisture, and impact while maintaining a residential wood-look aesthetic.
Customized seating with a plinth base design to support efficient cleaning.
Multiple chair configurations, including arm and armless options to accommodate varied resident needs.
Durable seating and casegoods that balance residential warmth with long-term performance requirements.
Warranty-backed construction that reduces long-term replacement costs.
