How One Family Found Belonging within The Salvation Army
A few years ago, Melissa was going through one of the most challenging periods in her life. She was unhoused, living in a shelter and without a clear path to move forward. Despite the hardships, she never gave up and eventually found a way to turn it all around.
Melissa was referred to The Salvation Army in Guelph, Ont., through a housing support worker. This introduction to the organization developed into a good, lasting relationship that remains to this day.
“At the beginning, I accessed only the food hampers at The Salvation Army,” Melissa remembers. “Then over the years, after having children, I got clothing assistance as well as Christmas hampers for my family.”
Aside from the assistance, Melissa values the effort Salvation Army staff put in to go above and beyond providing basic needs. She participates in community programs like the Loft Children’s Library and the Family Drop-in at the Army’s Guelph Citadel (church), where she enjoys activities such as games, crafts and movie nights with her children.
But the family’s involvement doesn’t stop there.
“This year, my kids were invited to attend a Salvation Army summer camp.”
“This year, my kids were invited to attend a Salvation Army summer camp. I remember going to camp when I was younger. This brought back memories I valued and I wanted my children to enjoy that as well. I am very grateful they were able to experience camp and at an affordable cost for me,” Melissa shares.
As a mother of three, Melissa frequently faces financial challenges while trying to support her family. With the increasing costs of daycare, she works part-time to care for her children. She says The Salvation Army helps her fill in gaps each month.
“If I didn’t have access to The Salvation Army, I don’t know what our lives would look like. I think we would be going hungry and there would be no ‘Santa Magic’ during the holidays,” Melissa says.
“If I didn’t have access to The Salvation Army, I don’t know what our lives would look like.”
Looking back at the years Melissa has been involved with The Salvation Army, she feels grateful mostly for how the organization has treated her family with dignity and care. In the future, when she can, Melissa hopes to give back to The Salvation Army in some way.
The Salvation Army in Guelph walks alongside individuals and families who come to access community services for a variety of supports, such as the free food pantry, clothing closet, weekly and monthly food hampers, baby and household items and on-site social work support.
By Juan Romero
