Virtually unused since closing seven years ago, the Salvation Army Family Store in Niles Charter Township is almost unrecognizable today.

The words, “Family Store,” are barely visible amid the peeling and fading paint on the outside of the building and the tall red signpost out front features no signage at all.

Capt. Jason Shaw, administrator for Salvation Army Family Stores in the Michiana region, said he has good news for those who would like to see a little more life in the place.

“We hope to reopen it in the next couple months,” said Shaw, adding that they are shooting for a mid-December opening date, although no firm time table has been set.

Salvation Army Family Stores are essentially thrift shops selling a wide variety of used items, including clothing, furniture, electronics and household items.

In addition to employing approximately 20 people — mostly part time — Shaw said the Niles location would receive a new paint job and some light remodeling work prior to its reopening.

A job fair is scheduled for Nov. 12, but Shaw said the details are still being worked out and that more information would be available soon via the Facebook page “Salvation Army Family Stores of Northwest Indiana.”

According to Shaw, the Niles location closed in 2008 due to declining economic conditions in the Niles area.

The decision to reopen, he said, was prompted by more development in the Niles community and demand from people in the area.

“We believe Niles can support a store and that people want it,” he said, adding that proceeds form the store would support substance abuse rehabilitative services in the Michiana area.

Since closing, the location has been used as storage in support of other Salvation Army Family Stores in the Michiana area, including in South Bend.