The Salvation Army of Fort McMurray is prepared to take on extra clients once Marshall House closes its doors next year.

That’s according to Major Stephen Hibbs who spoke at the Christmas Kettle Campaign kickoff event on Monday.

Wood Buffalo Housing announced earlier this month they would be closing the emergency shelter after being told by the provincial government they would no longer receive funds.

The GoA notes they can’t justify using funds on a building that hasn’t run at full capacity in a few years.

Speaking to reporters, Hibbs says the community should see this as a positive.

“I think it’s a great thing, as a city, to come to the point that we can close a shelter – I think that’s great progress. That was our goal 10 years ago, to eradicate homelessness, and now we’ve come to the point that we can do this.”

The Salvation Army is one of many local non-profits who’ve seen a jump in numbers. This, added with their recent funding issues, has forced them to be rather creative in making sure everyone who needs help gets it.

Despite this, Hibbs notes the organization is prepared for the potential increase in traffic.

“Wouldn’t it be great if 5, 10 years down the road the Salvation Army got to close its shelter because we’ve taken care of the problem of homelessness. We’re not overburdened, we’re ready for this.”

Marshall House will close its doors on January 31.

-With Files from Brandon Piper