London’s Emergency Disaster Services Team Joins Forces with the City to Serve the Vulnerable

From July to December of 2023, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team in London, Ont., worked with other agencies to aid the vulnerable population.

The initiative was created by the City of London, who called upon The Salvation Army to assist them. The program, Service Depots at Encampments, provided daily basic needs to people experiencing homelessness, living in unsheltered areas.

“We had a crew delivering food to encampments for six straight months, five days a week.”

“We worked with about 40 different agencies to help with homelessness in London. We had a crew delivering food to encampments for six straight months, five days a week,” said Trevor Mclellan, EDS specialist.

Through this outreach, the EDS team provided hundreds of volunteer hours and delivered thousands of meals. The common feedback from individuals that were helped was that they were happy to be treated with respect.

“Rarely do people who are homeless or living in encampments get treated respectfully,” Trevor said. “But through this program, they were provided with food, socks and clothing. The teams were there every single day helping people. Consistency and being treated with respect were the most important things.”

“You guys are all angels. We wouldn’t be here without you and I mean that,” a client said

According to Trevor, the initiative was run by committed volunteers. He encourages people to look into EDS volunteer opportunities, emphasizing that those interested will receive the appropriate training and great opportunities to assist their community.

“But through this program, they were provided with food, socks and clothing.”

“There are training programs throughout the year, disaster exercises happening, municipal events that we get involved with. So, there is always lots to do,” Trevor added. “Whether it’s handing out hot chocolate and hot dogs at Emergency Preparedness Week events, or taking part in a municipal disaster exercise, it’s all fascinating and a learning opportunity.”

In total, the EDS team provided 76 days of service to this cause, not only providing meals and daily essentials but also raising awareness about homelessness in the city.

In 2023, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services across Canada provided more than 69,000 meals when disaster struck.

By Juan Romero