It was a warm moment on a cold, snowy day in April as The Salvation Army opened the doors to the new Northern Centre of Hope in Fort St. John, B.C. “Today's weather tells you why we need something like this,” Mayor Lori Ackerman told the crowd of 50 gathered for the opening.
“The shelter can house up to 64 people with both shelter and transitional beds for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness,” said Captain Deb VanderHeyden, executive director of the centre and corps officer, Fort St. John Community Church.
The newly renovated centre provides clients with support services and accessible resources, such as addictions programming, as well as a drop-in food line six days a week. The centre will also help increase access to safe and affordable housing for residents in need and represents the first step in breaking the cycle of homelessness in a supportive environment.
A bedroom at the new Northern Centre of Hope
“We're pleased to expand our range of support services offered in the North Peace region for those at risk,” said Lt-Colonel Larry Martin, divisional commander, British Columbia Division. “Thank you to all who made the Northern Centre of Hope a reality as we continue to provide help to those in need. Together, we are not only helping the individual, but improving the quality of life for all the residents of Fort St. John.”
A current client, David, shared that The Salvation Army helped him gain control of his alcoholism. “I plan on staying in this two-year program and continuing on in this healthy lifestyle to get back into society sober,” he said. “Without The Salvation Army staff and my family, I wouldn't be standing here talking to you people today.”
Comment
On Sunday, March 27, 2016, George Banks said:
Good day,
I have heard of a program(s) in place in northern BC that addresses petty crimes , The Salvation Army,in conjunction with BC Housing, RCMP, Community leaders and the parties involved. These petty crimes may be say, homelessness,addiction, mental illness related. Initially, to me it sounded like an awesome/innovative way of helping/connecting people with the appropriate services. If there is such a program, I would be very interested to know more.
Sincerely, George Banks
PS...keep up the great work!
The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope in Windsor, Ont., has expanded its shelter services to better support couples experiencing homelessness, as well as individuals with pets. According to Jason Linton, executive director, there are widespread gaps in services that often lead to people choosing between staying with their partner or pet, or having
At Booth University College in Winnipeg, a new pilot project is offering free university-level education to vulnerable populations. With a focus on making education asaccessible as possible, Shelter U is available to candidates from shelters across the city who will take the course alongside campus-based students. For many vulnerable people,
Behind the Wall, owned by Andrew Russell, works closely with The Salvation Army’s housing and outreach teams to address homelessness across the city by creating stable, subsidized housing opportunities. This collaboration has created a brighter future for more than 150 previously unhoused individuals, helping them transition into safe, reliable housing while offering a fresh start to life.
A bedroom at the new Northern Centre of Hope
A bedroom at the new Northern Centre of Hope
I have heard of a program(s) in place in northern BC that addresses petty crimes , The Salvation Army,in conjunction with BC Housing, RCMP, Community leaders and the parties involved. These petty crimes may be say, homelessness,addiction, mental illness related. Initially, to me it sounded like an awesome/innovative way of helping/connecting people with the appropriate services. If there is such a program, I would be very interested to know more.
Sincerely, George Banks
PS...keep up the great work!