Salvation Army’s Hope Market plans to break ground early next year
Published 1:30 am Monday, November 24, 2025
The Salvation Army Bremerton is moving forward with a $2.2 million effort to build Hope Market, a dignity-based community marketplace designed to expand access to healthy food for Kitsap County residents facing hunger.
The project comes as food insecurity continues to rise in the region. Youth food insecurity in Kitsap County stands at 11%, higher than the statewide average of 8%, per data shared by the organization. More than 13,000 students rely on school meals, and downtown Bremerton has been designated a food desert with few affordable grocery options. The Salvation Army also reported an 11% increase in use of its food pantries in 2023.
Hope Market aims to provide a “client-choice” model, allowing individuals and families to shop for groceries free of charge, similar to a traditional store. The marketplace is planned to offer evening and weekend hours, addressing the limited midday hours of most food banks in the county.
“In the heart of Bremerton, where the need is great and access is limited, the Salvation Army has long stood as a pillar of support,” the organization said in its project vision. “Hope Market is more than a pantry. It’s a pathway to stability.”
The Salvation Army purchased Monica’s Social Club, the property adjacent to its current center, in 2022 to make way for the expansion.
Captains Dana and Lance Walters, who lead the Bremerton corps, said the idea began on their first day appointed to the community.
“We looked at the tavern next to us and thought our dream would be to expand across the alley to help even more neighbors in need,” Captain Dana Walters said.
Established in 1920, The Salvation Army Bremerton provides shelter, three daily meals, showers, laundry services and connections to community resources. The organization says Hope Market will operate alongside these services, helping connect visitors to case management, clothing, hygiene supplies and additional support. Phase II of the project includes plans for delivering food directly to homebound residents.
Per the campaign’s financial breakdown, the project will cost $2.24 million, including $1.7 million for construction, $200,000 for equipment and furnishings, and $170,000 each for contingency and sales tax. Construction bids and permitting are ongoing, with groundbreaking anticipated in early 2026 if 80% of funds are raised by the end of the year.
Local leaders have expressed support for the effort. 23rd District Rep. Greg Nance said he “fully supports and wholeheartedly endorses this transformative campaign.” Pastor Derek Lappe of Our Lady Star of the Sea said expanded hours for the food market “would be able to meet a very real need in our local community.” Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler also voiced his support, saying, ” I am proud to express support for the campaign to build The Salvation Army’s Bremerton Hope Market.”
The Salvation Army says community support will be essential in making Hope Market a reality.
“With your support, Hope Market will not only feed bodies — it will restore hope, rebuild lives and reimagine what’s possible,” the organization said in a statement.
