Finding Family Within The Salvation Army

Throughout most of her life, Terry-Lynn Murray has been on her own. She grew up on the streets and dealt with homelessness and addiction without much support. Thankfully, Terry-Lynn found a haven at The Salvation Army in Vernon, B.C.

“They always helped me with food when I was hungry, and they took me in as one of their own. It’s the first time I’ve had a family ever in my life,” Terry-Lynn said.

Terry-Lynn’s introduction to the Army came when she was experiencing homelessness. She would come to a location that offered a meal and coffee to the vulnerable population of Vernon’s downtown core. Here, she learned about other programs that helped change her trajectory.

“They always helped me with food when I was hungry, and they took me in as one of their own.”

“They saved my life. I don’t think I could have made it this far without their help,” she added.

With the guidance of Salvation Army counsellors, Terry-Lynn found housing and consistent food assistance. The Army also helped her enrol in an addiction recovery program. It has been seven years since Terry-Lynn was on the streets.

The Salvation Army continues to help Terry-Lynn. She is currently unable to work as she needs oxygen support daily. Due to inflation, the food bank has been beneficial for her.

“With the cost of rent these days, it is very helpful that they give me food access. I’m also able to help fill the gaps of what I need when I grocery shop because my money doesn’t go far at all in the stores.”

Terry-Lynn is participating in the Army’s Pathway of Hope program, which helps individuals identify and address the root causes of poverty-related issues.

“I don’t think I could have made it this far without their help.”

“We set goals. My counsellor encourages, guides me and gives me solutions to deal with what I am going through.”

Whenever someone asks Terry-Lynn about The Salvation Army, she emphasizes that she considers them a family. She frequently visits the staff who have supported her along the way.

“They kind of adopted me there. I go visit, go in the back and have lunch with them.”

As Terry-Lynn looks forward to what comes ahead, she wants to help others through The Salvation Army as a form of gratitude. She hopes to guide people experiencing homelessness with her testimony of how she overcame hardship.

“My future will definitely involve The Salvation Army. I just want to help somebody by being me,” she shared.

By Juan Romero