Salvation Army Outreach Program Saves Lives

The Salvation Army in Fort McMurray, Alta., runs a street outreach program five days a week to connect and engage with individuals experiencing homelessness. For the past 15 years, this service has provided people with a pathway to permanent housing and, in many cases, saves lives.

Henok Geim has been the outreach program coordinator since 2022. His team is always prepared to assist individuals in various ways through their Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) truck.

“We offer food, water, clothing, first aid and referrals to emergency shelters and housing programs,” says Henok.

The team’s priority is to reduce homelessness in the community. In many cases, they have successfully referred people to The Salvation Army, who have helped them find a place to live.

“We have received amazing feedback from former clients. Many of them tell us how fortunate they were to have this program,” Henok says.

“We offer food, water, clothing, first aid and referrals to emergency shelters and housing programs.”

Building connection and trust is key to encouraging people to access The Salvation Army’s services. There are times when individuals may need immediate assistance. Henok’s most memorable moment on the job was when he and his partner’s quick actions saved a life.

“One day, we witnessed a young lady lying unresponsive by the side of a parking lot,” Henok recalls. “My partner and I approached her quickly and realized she had overdosed. I immediately aided her, while my partner called 911. Luckily, she survived and was transported to the hospital.”

Training for EDS staff and volunteers involved in street outreach teaches them how to administer harm reduction kits. In this case, it was crucial to saving the young woman’s life.

“The most rewarding aspect of street outreach is creating meaningful connections with the people we serve.”

Moments when the street outreach team makes a notable impact on someone’s life keeps Henok motivated to lead this program.

“The most rewarding aspect of street outreach is creating meaningful connections with the people we serve,” Henok shares.

In the upcoming months, the outreach team will focus on assisting individuals during hot weather. They will establish hydration stations and distribute water and snacks to help people cool down.

Volunteers who participate in various outreach programs across Canada are trained to provide essential assistance and handle crises effectively.

By Juan Romero