(Above) Mayor Bob Wells (left) attends an open house to speak with Cpt Kevin Elsasser (right) and learn more about the project and its benefits to the community

The Salvation Army in Comox Valley, B.C., has unveiled plans for a new integrated facility aimed at addressing the growing needs of the community.

Currently, community and family services is located in a separate building from Comox Valley Community Church, where it operates an emergency food bank, shelter and other programs such as Pathway of Hope.

“We’re meeting the basic needs here,” says Captain Michelle Elsasser, corps officer. “There’s so much heartbreak with inflation and homelessness, and we decided that we wanted to grow our ministry unit to provide a hand up, not just a handout. So we asked ourselves, ‘What is this going to look like?’ ”

The integrated facility will consolidate each of these services under one roof, creating a more comprehensive approach to the Army’s community outreach. In addition to a worship space, kitchen, offices and food bank, it will offer program space for Pathway of Hope and other practical skill development courses, and affordable counselling services in partnership with Headstrong Counselling. The building will also include multi-purpose space for staff meetings and youth programming.

“Our sanctuary and hall are going to be designed for church on Sunday mornings, but during the week, we can open up the space for other uses, such as youth group or volunteer banquets,” says Captain Michelle, who leads the ministry unit with her husband, Captain Kevin Elsasser. “We’re trying to meet the needs of everyone in the community who might want to make use of this space, and we are introducing programming to give youth a purpose and community around them. For example, we have two BRAVE programs for girls from our family services office, and we can’t wait to have it all under one roof.”

According to Captains Elsasser, the integrated facility aims to bridge the gap between the church and social services. “We very much want the community to know that we’re a church first, and they will see the cross when they come in the door,” says Captain Kevin. “We want this facility to operate as a type of community centre where kids can have something positive to do, where we can also teach them skills and share the love of Christ with everyone who walks through the building.”

In January, Comox Valley Community Church held an open house where they walked Bob Wells, mayor of Courtenay, B.C., through the project plans and its expected benefits to the community. Captains Elsasser note that the mayor is an avid supporter of The Salvation Army and is part of the community council. “He understands the needs in Comox Valley and is very excited about this project,” says Captain Kevin.

The planned demolition of the existing church is projected for August 2024, with construction of the new building anticipated to be complete in August 2025.