New Winter Café Helps Vulnerable Feel Lifted and Loved

In Truro, Nova Scotia, a revised program at The Salvation Army is giving vulnerable people a place to socialize, be warm and well-fed.

“On any given day, 100 people walk through our doors seeking assistance,” says Lieutenant Matthew Reid, church pastor. “Even people with full-time jobs are struggling to make ends meet. They ask, ‘Can you help me stay warm? Can you help me with food?’”

“The goal of the program is to provide a safe space that can reduce stress and offer hope.”

The Salvation Army has given hands-on, compassionate care to the Truro and Colchester County community since 1886. Struggling neighbours depend on The Salvation Army and the café is an additional support to programs already in place such as the food bank and bread rack.

“We come to the café for food and social time,” says Margaret and Carman. “We really want to be here.”

Every Wednesday, throughout the winter months, caring volunteers not only prepare and cook meals but hit the streets with flyers to announce the program and encourage people to warm up and get a hot breakfast.

“If there is a need, we try to help meet it.”

“The goal of the program is to provide a safe space that can reduce stress and offer hope,” says Lieutenant Reid.

From hungry people who are drowning in poverty to lonely people who need a friend, the café is about putting people first and making them feel lifted and loved.

“We treat broken and burdened people with the best possible service to show them that they matter,” says Reid. “We listen to their stories. If there is a need, we try to help meet it. Long after the program ends, we want all people to remember how important they are.”

By Linda Leigh