Five Years of Hope, 140 Years of Commitment

More than 140 years ago, The Salvation Army established its presence in Newfoundland and Labrador on Springdale Street in downtown St. John’s. Today, the Ches Penney Centre of Hope stands on that same street as a modern expression of a mission that has remained consistent for generations.

Since opening its doors in December 2020, the Ches Penney Centre of Hope has served as a beacon of light for thousands of people. The facility was designed to provide wraparound care by bringing essential services together under one roof, including food services, supportive housing, education and employment programs, counselling, and access to medical care.

In its first five years, the Centre served nearly 181,500 meals, supported more than 105,000 individuals with food assistance, celebrated 150 graduates from its employment program, and delivered counselling services to over 625 people. While these numbers reflect the scope of the work, they also represent meaningful steps toward stability and renewed hope for individuals and families in the community.

The celebration of this milestone also offers an opportunity to reflect on The Salvation Army’s long-standing history in St. John’s. In its early years, the Army was known for its visible and active presence in the city, including open-air meetings, street outreach, and direct assistance to individuals facing poverty and social hardship. Within months of its establishment, the movement had grown rapidly, firmly situating Springdale Street as the centre of The Salvation Army’s outreach efforts in St. John’s.

Together, the milestones of 140 years of service in St. John’s and five years of the Ches Penney Centre of Hope tell a continuous story of commitment. While facilities and approaches have evolved over time, the purpose has remained unchanged: to serve the community with compassion, dignity, and hope.

By Janessa Hynes