A New Salvation Army Winter Program Seeks Out Those in Need

For many years, The Salvation Army in Calgary has hosted warming stations for people living on the street during the winter months. However, this year they’ve implemented a change to make this program more dynamic.

With the collaboration of the Calgary Homeless Foundation, the warming stations are now mobile. This allows stations to be moved around all over the city and therefore become more accessible for those who need these services.

Resource Specialist for the Outreach Program at The Salvation Army in Calgary, Hooria Ansari, believes the innovative warming stations allow them to reach more clients in need.

“We are now able to go where there is a need, as opposed to having folks to come to us for support.”

“This is a very exciting project for The Salvation Army because there are a lot of advantages to being mobile. We are now able to go where there is a need, as opposed to having folks to come to us for support. We now go to them instead,” she said.

The mobile warming stations are set up in high-need areas around the city. Inside the tents there are heaters, and clients are provided with hot meals, coffee, and even winter gear. The temporary shelters also allow the Outreach Program to connect with new clients and see if there are other ways in which The Salvation Army can support them.

Alberta saw extreme cold throughout December, so these new mobile stations seemed to come at the right time. Hooria says that the early arrival of frigid temperatures has caused a substantial rise in the number of clients needing housing support.

Unfortunately, the housing challenges could continue for some Albertans. According to a recent Salvation Army survey, 10 per cent of Albertans could face housing security challenges throughout 2023.

To help with the client demand, Hooria says people can support The Salvation Army by spreading the word about the mobile warming station, donating winter wear or visiting SalvationArmy.ca.

“A lot of the people we meet are not well equipped for the winter conditions.”

“We do our best to support our friends with a warm meal, and with materials that come in through donations such as gloves, toques and jackets. These are high-need and in-demand items for our clients. A lot of the people we meet are not well equipped for the winter conditions,” she said.

So far, the stations have been a success. They have been well received by the community and the clients that make use of them.

“As soon as they see The Salvation Army shield, they immediately recognize that it is a warming station and that here they will be taken care of.”

“Overall, it’s been received very well by the community and our clientele. We have created a super low barrier place, where everyone feels safe. Often, we hear from some of our repeat clients, that as soon as they see The Salvation Army shield, they immediately recognize that it is a warming station and that here they will be taken care of,” Hooria said.

The mobile warming stations currently run Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Outreach Program’s goal is to soon be running seven days a week. The stations will be in place until the end of March 2023.

By Juan Romero