Where One Open Door Can Lead to Another
Sometimes, the most important thing you can offer someone is a place to come back to.
By Simran Rambhia
In St. John’s, The Salvation Army’s Ches Penney Centre of Hope and Wiseman Centre work together to offer support at different points along a person’s journey from meeting immediate needs like food and connection to providing housing and support that can help someone move toward greater independence.
And behind that support are people who choose to show up, too.
“I wanted to volunteer with an organization that really helps others, and this event (Santa Shuffle) was it! I needed this for school, and the process was so simple to get involved. This was so fun, and knowing all the money goes to help others is just icing on the cake.” – Josh
At The Salvation Army’s Wiseman Centre, 10 supportive housing units help tenants work toward greater independence. Staff provide individualized support with personal, financial, hygiene and basic home needs, while working with external case management and mental health support.
But support does not end when someone leaves.
Every Monday, former residents return to the Wiseman Centre for a warm meal and a chance to reconnect with staff and peers. Meal Mondays are a reminder that the door remains open.
At The Salvation Army Ches Penney Centre of Hope, support looks different. Located on Springdale Street, the Centre helps individuals and families facing food insecurity with low-barrier emergency food assistance every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. More than 150 families receive support each week.
Three days a week, the Centre also serves hot, home-cooked meals in its dining room. More than 600 meals are served each week, providing food and a place to connect.
That support also reaches beyond the Centre.
For approximately two and a half years, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services unit has provided street ministry and a feeding program in the community. Meals are prepared by the Centre of Hope’s chef, with 10–20 volunteers helping each week to serve 80 or more meals.
Sometimes, they run out of food a clear sign of the need in the community.
The Ches Penney Centre of Hope also offers a Harm Reduction Walk-In Clinic, where people can access services such as naloxone and overdose prevention education, wound care, substance-use support, and referrals to housing, mental health, treatment and primary healthcare.
There is no single path to support.
For one person, it may begin with a meal. For another, supportive housing may provide a foundation for independence. Someone else may find help through the harm reduction clinic.
Different services. Different needs. One shared purpose: meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.
Through The Santa Shuffle, you help support this work in St. John’s. Every step and every fundraiser helps keep food, housing support, connection and essential services within reach for people who need them.
Because sometimes, hope does not begin with a life-changing moment.
Sometimes, it begins with an open door.
