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!
November 22 is National Housing Day. As a community, we can use this opportunity to reflect on housing as a human right, what that means to us and how we can help make it a reality for all.
Adam Walker has lived a life of hardship, trauma and addiction. His story is the type that doesn’t always have a happy ending. However, Adam was determined to be one of the lucky ones when he entered the doors of The Salvation Army’s Addiction and Residential Centre (ARC) in Edmonton and began his first step to healing.
The Salvation Army in Vernon, B.C., is set to significantly enhance its food bank operations to better serve the community, which has seen a notable increase in the number of working class families requiring assistance. For nearly a decade, the Army has been operating its food distribution from two separate locations—a warehouse for food
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!