A Salvation Army Act of Kindness Saves a Life

As Gerald Jorgensen walks down the streets of Ottawa today, it is hard for him to process that less than two years ago, he was living in these same streets, struggling with addiction and braving the elements.

A series of events that impacted Gerald’s life put him in a tough position. He lost his mother and later suffered a car accident that left him injured and struggling financially. Additionally, he was dealing with a fentanyl addiction.

Soon after he experienced these life challenges, Gerald ended up homeless.

“I lost my place to live. I started doing some couch surfing, and then I ended up in an encampment,” Gerald shared.

During this period of Gerald’s life, he slept on the streets or at temporary shelters around the city. It was at this time that Gerald encountered The Salvation Army.

“I lost my place to live. I started doing some couch surfing, and then I ended up in an encampment.”

“What The Salvation Army did for me during that year was to connect me with their outreach program,” Gerald said.

A member of The Salvation Army’s Street Outreach team in Ottawa helped Gerald turn his life around. Although he was reluctant at first, he eventually gave in.

“She would be persistent to get me to sign the paperwork needed to get a housing worker and to help me get off the street. It wasn’t something I always wanted to do, but she convinced me.”

Throughout his journey, the street outreach team also helped Gerald in other ways. Whenever he needed medical assistance, they transported him to the hospital in The Salvation Army van.

Eventually, Gerald connected with his housing caseworker. During one of those first meetings, Gerald asked for a favour that saved his life. He borrowed the caseworker’s phone and called his sister.

“I called her and I asked her if she would come and get me because I was done. I knew I wouldn’t be alive another week.”

Gerald is thankful to this day for his housing worker.

“I believe God put him there for a reason. I knew I wouldn’t be alive much longer. If I didn’t have the housing worker’s phone to call my sister that day, I would not be alive today,” he shared.

After getting off the streets, Gerald entered a treatment centre that helped him overcome his addiction. During his recovery, The Salvation Army housing worker met with Gerald regularly, taking him to medical appointments and providing him with bus tickets. Once sober, Gerald found a place to live.

“If I didn’t have the housing worker’s phone to call my sister that day, I would not be alive today.”

Gerald and team serve vulnerable people

Today, Gerald’s life has completely changed. He dedicates one day each week to doing outreach work, helping others who are experiencing homelessness. Along with other members of his church, he provides clothes, food and drinks to those in need. Many of the individuals he encounters are people he knew from before. This allows him to better connect with and encourage them to embark on a journey towards recovery.

“I leave feeling very grateful that I’m able to give people some hope,” Gerald added.

This outreach work also lets Gerald raise awareness.

“I’m always taking new people out to the streets so they can see the effects of homelessness and addiction.”

Gerald is an inspiration to anyone who wants to dedicate their time to helping others. He also serves as an example of hope to old friends who want to improve their lives.

The influence Gerald has today is something he could have never imagined he would have just a short time ago.

“It’s almost hard to meet for me to fathom. I mean, 14 and a half months ago I had absolutely nothing. Today, I have a huge community around me that is very supportive.”

By Juan Romero