Salvation Army vandalized, set on fire in Kissimmee ahead of holiday season

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A Salvation Army building was set ablaze in Kissimmee on Monday evening as the organization prepares for the upcoming holiday season, according to Salvation Army officials.

In a release, the Salvation Army said that the service unit at 700 Union Street had been vandalized and set on fire, with the suspect believed to be someone who previously frequented the building for services.

The release shows that the unit provided daily services to locals who were either homeless or “precariously housed,” including hot meals, laundry, showers, food pantry, utility and rental assistance.

“We pray for those who express themselves in this destructive manner and are grateful for the first responders on scene right now,” the Salvation Army wrote on Monday evening. “This could not come at a worse time as we enter our busiest season of the year and see the greatest need throughout our community.”

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Officials added that the “iconic” Red Kettles were damaged in the fire along with the kitchen, food pantry, and new industrial washer and dryer.

The Salvation Army explained that it is not yet known if and when the building will be operational again.

“This is a devastating loss for the people of Kissimmee and Osceola County who rely on The Salvation Army for daily assistance,” said Capt. Ken Chapman, the area commander of the Salvation Army.

News 6 has reached out to the Kissimmee Police Department for more information and is awaiting a response.

No additional information has been provided at this time.

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