The Salvation Army of Central Georgia is reaching out to community members for input on improving its facilities.

Maj. David Cope, the Central Georgia area commander, said the Salvation Army is conducting a planning study to determine goals for the next five to 10 years.

As part of the study, a survey will be sent to midstate community leaders asking for their opinions about the Salvation Army’s performance in their areas.

Cope said the survey will measure community perception of the Salvation Army and look for any gaps in services being provided. The community’s input will be strongly considered, he said.

WPO Development, a research group that has worked with the Salvation Army in more than 200 cities, will conduct the study. A master plan will be developed from the results of the study, and a study measuring the feasibility of the proposed improvements will follow.

Cope said the Salvation Army’s corporate headquarters require such studies to be conducted before improvements are made.

One of the main areas that needs improvement is the housing and emergency shelter for families and children in Macon, Cope said.

He said the facilities are outdated, and they need more beds and space for families.

Another priority, Cope said, is updating kitchen equipment for the Salvation Army’s community feeding program in Macon that provides meals to the homeless and those living in their emergency housing.

“That’s one of our urgent needs right now,” he said. “This program is one of the safety nets in this community.”

To contact writer Liz Bibb, call 744-4425.