Salvation Army Defends Construction of House

Re “Pricey House for Salvation Army Official Assailed,” Dec. 14: After a process that took nearly two years, the recommendation to rebuild the Salvation Army-owned home on Pearl Street in Santa Monica was made by an all-volunteer advisory board made up of local citizens and businesspeople. The board agreed that rebuilding on a lot the Salvation Army already owns, and improving its asset, was the least expensive option. The average home price in the metro Los Angeles area, for a family of five, exceeds the cost of our rebuild by more than $100,000. Therefore, we felt it made good financial sense to tear down a 63-year-old house in need of significant repairs and invest $450,000 to rebuild it. According to the L.A. County assessor’s office, the land value of the property in question is $49,776, not $538,600, as reported.

The Salvation Army pays the costs associated with housing its officers. Capts. Brian and Iva West are both ministers who pastor the Salvation Army’s church in Santa Monica and direct their social service ministry to the needy. The Wests’ total compensation package is $64,909 a year, which includes a $23,504 cash allowance. The remaining $41,405 reflects the value of the home and the vehicles that are provided for the officers’ use. I can understand how a $450,000 price tag on Salvation Army officer housing could raise a few eyebrows. However, housing a family of five anywhere in this real estate market is a very expensive proposition. Upgrading this property was the most financially responsible option.

Maj. George L. Baker

Divisional Secretary for Business, Salvation Army

Los Angeles