How The Salvation Army Helped Client Get His Life Back

There was a point in Raymond’s life when things didn’t fall into place for him. He was fighting personal battles that led him to addiction. He experienced homelessness for a couple of years before coming to The Salvation Army in Fort McMurray, Alta., where they helped him get his life back on track.

“Life was really tough for me, and everything caught up to me. I was addicted to alcohol and drugs. I finally straightened my life out, and here I am today, feeling very grateful,” Raymond shares.

“Life was really tough for me, and everything caught up to me.”

When he came to The Salvation Army’s shelter he didn’t know what to expect, but he was pleasantly surprised by the friendly atmosphere. Raymond spent a few months in the shelter and, while he was there, he not only was given basic necessities such as food and a roof over his head but was also referred to places that could help him overcome addiction.

“They recommended me to a detox centre. I went there every day and they taught me how to cope with life,” he adds.

After completing his detox, Raymond received housing assistance from The Salvation Army. Today, he has his own apartment and just recently started a new job.

“They paid for my first month’s damage deposit and first month’s rent to get me back on my feet again. The Salvation Army helped me. They helped me big time. Two thumbs up to those guys,” Raymond says.

Even after leaving the shelter, The Salvation Army’s staff would provide him with information on NA and AA meetings, which he has attended and have helped him to stay clean for the last several months.

“They are there for anybody that needs help getting to the next steps in life.”

Raymond believes he would be dead if it weren’t for The Salvation Army’s help.

“It’s a spectacular place. They are there for anybody that needs help getting to the next steps in life. If you are down and out in the streets and you need help. They will be there for you.”

With his new job and residence, Raymond’s life is steadily getting back in order. He looks forward to the summer months so he can go on daily walks, which he finds therapeutic.

He is grateful for the support he received from The Salvation Army.

“They got me off the streets, for sure. They got me back in civilization again.”

By Juan Romero