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!
Glenn’s early years were marked by running away from home and stealing to survive, which landed him in prison. After his release, he briefly managed to hold down a job, but addiction prevented him from making lasting changes, leading him down a path of crime, homelessness and addiction. But as an adult, Glenn found hope and support through The Salvation Army.
“Is there a diet for people like us?” asked a client in a nutrition class at Harbour Light, a Salvation Army addictions treatment program in Vancouver, where I was a dietitian for more than a decade. This facility is in the roughest and least-understood neighbourhood in the city. The session was with clients in the first and hardest weeks of the
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.
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!