The Salvation Army in Thunder Bay Provides Safe Shelter and Meals During Extreme Cold

The Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre, an emergency men’s shelter in Thunder Bay is supporting those experiencing homelessness during the extreme cold this week.

The emergency shelter currently has space for everyone that needs to come out of the cold and the 25-bed overflow section has not been needed at this point.

“We are working with community partners to make sure everyone has safe shelter,” said Gary Ferguson, executive director at The Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre. “Between us and the other shelters we have a really good handle on supporting the homeless population, and we never ask our clients to leave during the day. Nobody will freeze.”

“We are working with community partners to make sure everyone has safe shelter.”

The Salvation Army’s mobile outreach vehicle also continues to go out every night, providing up to 200 meals a night, including soup, sandwiches and hot chocolate. Staff members on the van are also handing out warm clothing such as hats, mitts, coats, boots, jackets and hoodies. “We would also like to thank Mark’s Work Warehouse for their generous donation of warm clothing,” said Gary.

The City of Thunder Bay runs a care bus which stops at the various shelters and there are several warming centres throughout the city. The Salvation Army also shuttles people from shelter to shelter or to a hospital by taxi when in need.

“The biggest concern we face in Thunder Bay is substance use,” said Gary. “Our overdose rate is four times that of anywhere else in Ontario and being outside while using makes people more vulnerable to the cold. There are outreach workers in the community that work with people living on the street to support them.”

If anyone would like to donate warm winter clothing to The Salvation Army they can drop off at The Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre. Monetary donations can be made by visiting salvationarmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

By Caroline Franks