It's not easy to put hard figures on tough Toronto problems like homelessness and addictions. Safe to say that since the city's earliest days, tens of thousands of troubled bodies and souls have walked the downtown streets in search of shelter, food and something more.

With the opening and rededication of The Salvation Army's $35 million Harbour Light Ministries, the outlook for many of Toronto's marginalized brightened. The beautifully designed building stands at the corner of Jarvis and Shuter Streets, site of the original Harbour Light Centre that was opened in 1961.

New, also, to Harbour Light is a residence support concept providing 85 residential treatment beds and a 98-unit transitional housing complex. This social services facility offers the homeless and addicted a place to live in dignity while solving social and medical issues.

Residential apartments are bright and welcoming with sleeping, bath and kitchen areas where residents learn and practice cooking and housekeeping skills, essential to independent living.

Rob Hardy knows something about homelessness and addiction. He told the opening ceremony audience of his battle with alcohol and drugs which, until 14 years ago, threatened to ruin his life. From jail, Hardy sought a Salvation Army treatment program. Today, he is a stable and important Salvation Army community asset, feeding those in need on city streets each morning and guiding them through countless obstacles he knows so well on the road to a new life.

Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman told some 300 officials and community people gathered in Harbour Light's adjacent community church that he, too, knew the heartbreak of addiction and fully understands the hope Harbour Light offers the city's many troubled. “In my younger years”, Smitherman said, “I had a serious addiction, so I truly relate to the challenges of the people cared for and treated by The Salvation Army. These new expanded facilities are part of a network of love in this city.”

Partnership was a central theme in remarks from Toronto Centre MP Bob Rae and City Councillor Kyle Rae (no relation). Both appreciated that the Army recognizes the needs in society and works to fill the gap in available social services.

“This building would not be here,” said Captain John Murray, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development, “if it were not for our government supporters and private donors investing in the lives of people in our community.” Andrew Lennox, chair of the private fundraising, stated that even in challenging economic times people want to contribute to their city's well being, and they know and respect The Salvation Army's trusted reputation in “doing the possible.”

Commissioner William Francis, Territorial Commander, reminded the audience that key to The Salvation Army's success in community and social programs is the added dimension of divine support. Francis likened the new facility to a harbour with a bright light of hope guiding ships and sailors to safety. “Harbour Light and The Salvation Army and all the people here working to serve those in need are a beacon of hope in a dark world,” he said.

Echoing earlier thoughts of City Councillor Rae that “sometimes people can't see the real problems─they only see the symptoms such as homeless persons on the street,” Francis told the audience that “in bright daylight, ships can't even see the lighthouse, but when things turn dark, the beacon guides them home. That's this Harbour Light Centre.”

The opening ceremony concluded with a prayer of dedication by Commissioner Marilyn Francis, Territorial President of Women's Ministries.

Top photo: Salvation Army leaders, government officials and advisory members officially open the Harbour Light; bottom: Rob Hardy speaks about homelessness and addiction