A vital non-profit organization serving hundreds of veterans and their families in Bucks County is facing an urgent deadline to find a new home. Salute2Service, a community staple in Newtown since 2022, must vacate its current premises by December 1, leaving essential services like its food pantry and counseling programs at risk of interruption.
The organization's founder, Rodney Wyatt, has issued a public appeal for assistance in securing a new facility to continue their mission without disruption. The group is searching for a 3,000 to 4,000 square foot space in lower Bucks County as its occupancy agreement at Chandler Hall comes to an end.
Key Takeaways
- Salute2Service, a Bucks County non-profit, must find a new location by December 1.
- The organization provides critical support, including food, clothing, and counseling, to hundreds of local veterans.
- They require a 3,000 to 4,000 square foot space to continue operations.
- Founder Rodney Wyatt is seeking community help to secure a new lease or a donated property to avoid service disruptions.
A Lifeline for Local Veterans
For years, Salute2Service has been a cornerstone of support for the veteran community in Bucks County. Founded by Rodney Wyatt in 2013 and operational since 2015, the organization offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the unique needs of former service members.
"We provide food, clothing, connect them with the services and resources that they need to file claims," Wyatt explained. "We help them retrieve their military records as well as burial information for their loved ones who have passed."
This holistic approach ensures that veterans receive not just immediate aid but also long-term assistance with navigating complex administrative processes. The organization acts as a central hub, connecting individuals with the help they have earned through their service.
A History of Service
Salute2Service was established in 2013 to address gaps in support for veterans. After becoming fully operational in 2015, it has grown into a critical resource. The organization has been operating from its current location at Chandler Hall in Newtown since 2022, but the end of its occupancy agreement now forces an unexpected and rapid search for a new base of operations.
The Heart of the Operation: The Food Pantry
Among the many services provided, the food pantry stands out as one of the most significant. Hundreds of people, including veterans and other community members, rely on it for weekly assistance. The impending move threatens this crucial source of support.
"It's open every day but on Wednesdays is our big day to give away food," Wyatt noted. The weekly distribution event is a major draw, providing essential groceries to families facing food insecurity. The potential for even a temporary shutdown of the pantry is a primary concern for the organization's leadership.
Beyond food, the center provides a safe space for veterans to connect and receive counseling. This element of camaraderie and mental health support is just as important as the material aid, offering a sense of community that is difficult to replicate.
"We put a lot of emphasis on entertainers, sports figures and politicians. But the veterans, the ones who made it possible for us to do what we do, are overlooked," said Wyatt.
The Search for a New Home
With the clock ticking towards the December 1 deadline, the search for a new facility is the organization's top priority. The requirements are specific, needing a space large enough to house its multifaceted operations under one roof.
The ideal location would be between 3,000 and 4,000 square feet. This would accommodate:
- The food pantry and storage areas.
- Private offices for staff and confidential counseling sessions.
- A common area for volunteers and community gatherings.
Wyatt remains hopeful that a community partner will emerge. While the organization has funds set aside for a lease, the ideal scenario would be a long-term, stable solution.
"If we could find a generous benefactor that would like to donate a building to us, that would be perfect," he stated. "We do have money to appropriate for a lease agreement to spend for that."
How You Can Help
Individuals or businesses with information about a suitable property or who wish to offer assistance can contact Rodney Wyatt directly at 570-916-4695. More information about the organization and its mission is available on its official website, Salute2Service.org.
A Mission to Leave No Veteran Behind
The potential disruption comes at a critical time for many families, but Wyatt and his team are determined to persevere. Their commitment is rooted in a simple but powerful principle that has guided their work from the beginning.
The challenge of finding a new home is significant, but it has not shaken the resolve of those who run Salute2Service. They are focused on a seamless transition to ensure that the men and women who have served the country continue to receive the care and compassion they deserve.
"Our motto is leave no veteran behind and we do not leave anybody behind," Wyatt affirmed. The coming weeks will test that motto as the entire community watches, hoping for a solution that allows this vital work to continue.