The Salvation Army has raised $25,000 toward its goal of $60,000 to keep its homeless shelter open during the summer months, Capt. Kirk Schuetz said Thursday.

“Lawrence is a very caring community,” Schuetz said. “I am confident that the good people of Lawrence will once again rise to the occasion as they hear about the need to keep the shelter open. It is important to remember that during the hot summer months homeless people really need the shelter to survive.”

The shelter typically closes between April and October; the money raised so far will keep it open through May, officials said. Several homeless people have died in Lawrence during recent summers, prompting an outcry for year-round shelter.

The $60,000 will be used to pay for insurance, utilities and other incidentals to keep the church open nightly.

The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday will decide whether to spend city money to keep the shelter open it gave $10,000 last year to open the shelter a month early. The commission meets at 6:35 p.m. in City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets.

Contributions to keep the shelter open may be sent to The Salvation Army Shelter, 946 N.H.