The Salvation Army’s Journey to Life Centre in Thunder Bay, Ont., held its grand opening in October, a culmination of the $15.5-million construction project for the three-storey, 30,000-square-foot building, double the size of the former 50-year-old structure.

“This is not just a building,” Major Lori Mitchell, area commander, Ontario Division, and Journey to Life project co-ordinator, said at the event. “This is a place of caring and compassion and I believe that many lives will be transformed over the coming years.”

“This building was built on the foundation of hope, with every brick representing a change in people’s lives,” said Gary Ferguson, executive director of the centre.

The Journey to Life Centre includes an emergency shelter for men, with five rooms that can accommodate four individuals, and private showers and a laundry room. The Homes for Special Care program offers permanent housing in private rooms for 16 men who require mental health support. Eight beds are available for men on early release from the federal justice system where they are helped with the transition back into community life.

Lt-Colonel Shawn Critch, divisional commander, Ontario Division, said the community of Thunder Bay was built upon a foundation of humility, courage, wisdom and honesty.“The Salvation Army has been a significant part of your journey here in Thunder Bay for over 100 years,” he noted. “Today we continue to shape the future of this land and the future of this community, creating a sacred space where hope is extended and hope is embraced.”

Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins and Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, attended the grand opening and were among the dignitaries who spoke at the event.

“It’s a journey of hope and opportunity, giving the folks who are struggling in the mainstream an opportunity to lift their spirits up and make sure they’re not forgotten about,” said Chief Collins. “They are important to our community.”

Grand Chief Achneepineskum encouraged those in attendance to volunteer with the Army. “Once we have someone that has that passion and works with it and commits to it, so much can happen. Thank you to those that shared in that vision,” she said.

Patty Hajdu, member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, emphasized the need for supports to help people get back on their feet. “What’s great about this project is that it does provide people an opportunity to move from a crisis phase into a more transitional space and take the time to understand what they need to do in order to move forward in their own recovery,” she said.

The centre’s namesake Journey to Life transitional program addresses barriers to living successfully in the community and has 20 studio apartments. Participants learn everything from cooking and cleaning to building positive relationships and how to be a good employee and neighbour.

Other dignitaries who attended and provided greetings were Michael Gravelle, member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament, Thunder Bay—Superior North; Kevin Holland, board member District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board; Sue Prodaniuk, board member, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation; Bill Mauro, mayor of the City of Thunder Bay; Joe and Barbara McEachern, capital campaign co-chairs; and Indigenous Elder Kerry McLaughlin who conducted the blessing and purification of the land.