A WISH Granted

When Denise came to Calgary in 2015, she had $30 in her pocket. She wanted a fresh start in life but had nowhere to go. Living on the streets would have to be home. Then she found The Salvation Army.

“Without The Salvation Army, I don’t know where I would be,” says Denise. “I don’t want to think about it.”

“Having a roof over my head and food in my stomach allowed me to focus on getting my life back in order.”

Denise spent nine months at the Army’s women’s residential program in Calgary. Women’s Integrated Supportive Housing (WISH) provided her with safe and secure accommodation. In a cottage designed to feel like home, staff encouraged and prepared her for a future where she was ready and able to live on her own.

“When I came to The Salvation Army, fear of the unknown lived inside me,” says Denise. “Having a roof over my head and food in my stomach allowed me to focus on getting my life back in order.”

The staff at WISH assisted Denise in securing financial aid. They also connected her with a doctor who helped her improve and maintain health. And The Salvation Army’s chaplain provided her with spiritual care that brought peace back to her life.

“I have a wonderful community of support, thanks to The Salvation Army.”

“For years, I lacked peace, love and a listening ear,” says Denise. “I found it at The Salvation Army.”

Today, Denise is back on her feet emotionally and physically. She volunteers at The Salvation Army’s Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre where “we are one big family.

“I have a wonderful community of support, thanks to The Salvation Army,” continues Denise. “I am truly grateful.”