MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Salvation Army Yuba-Sutter Corps announced Jan. 2 plans to close The Depot Family Crisis Center, a transitional shelter that has served families experiencing homelessness in the region since 1993. The closure will take place on Jan. 31, following a 30-day wind down period to ensure all current residents transition safely into permanent housing or appropriate alternatives.

“When The Depot opened more than 30 years ago, it met a critical need for families in crisis. It has been a place of hope and stability for thousands of individuals,” said Major Osei Stewart, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Del Oro Division serving Northern California and Nevada. “While programs like The Depot are central to what The Salvation Army does best, we also have a responsibility to our donors and community to steward resources wisely. Sustaining The Depot has become financially unsustainable, and we must redirect our energy to programs that can help the greatest number of people.”

Honoring the Legacy

The Depot was established to provide transitional shelter and case management at a time when Yuba-Sutter had few options for families experiencing homelessness. Over three decades, it has served as a vital resource for families, single women, and individuals referred through county programs such as CalWORKs. The Salvation Army honors the legacy of The Depot and the donors, volunteers, and staff who made its impact possible.

Stewardship and Sustainability

The decision to close The Depot follows years of significant financial deficits and mounting facility repair costs. Despite strong community support, donor contributions have not kept pace with the rising costs of shelter operations. By closing The Depot, The Salvation Army will reduce financial strain and strengthen the sustainability of its core services.

Continued Commitment to Yuba-Sutter

The closure of The Depot does not mark the end of The Salvation Army’s presence in Yuba-Sutter. The organization has served the community since 1888 and will continue providing essential services, including food and nutrition programs such as family services and pantry distribution, housing navigation to help individuals and families connect with permanent housing solutions, and transitional living support through Hope Vista for those working toward long-term stability.

“The Salvation Army has been part of Yuba-Sutter for more than 135 years, and we are not going anywhere,” added Captain Larry Carmichael, Salvation Army Officer overseeing programs and services in Yuba-Sutter. “Our mission remains the same: to meet human need wherever it exists, without discrimination. This transition allows us to continue serving with strength, compassion, and sustainability.”

Transition Plan

Families currently residing at The Depot will be supported in moving into permanent housing or alternative programs. Staff will receive notice and assistance in applying for other Salvation Army positions. The Corps will work closely with local partners to ensure continuity of care.

The Salvation Army has actively served Northern California since 1885. The Del Oro Division, headquartered in Sacramento, is responsible for administering all Salvation Army programs in 30 counties from the Central Valley to the Oregon border. Our programs vary from one community to the next, targeting the specific needs of each area. Our emergency assistance programs are intended to meet the immediate needs of struggling people by providing food and shelter, disaster relief, affordable childcare, workforce development, and other programs while guiding them to long-term self-sufficiency. The mission of The Salvation Army is to meet human need without discrimination wherever it exists. In 2024, The Salvation Army provided 3,404,747 meals, 376,396 nights of shelter, 116,573 articles of clothing and comfort kit gifts, and 116,573 Christmas presents throughout Northern California.