Delivering Hope to Those in Need in St. Thomas

For more than a year, Mobilizing Meals has been on the road bringing meals and emotional and spiritual support to vulnerable individuals in St. Thomas. The Salvation Army St. Thomas Citadel program runs two nights a week, with people who are homeless supported on Mondays and those unable to leave their homes being visited on Wednesdays.

Mobilizing Meals was made possible through a $50,000 donation from the City of St. Thomas and $20,000 in community donations toward the purchase of a fully equipped canteen van. The van is used by St. Thomas Corps Community Outreach Coordinator Adam Marshall and volunteers to prepare and serve between 70 and 100 meals.

“Our homeless population has grown very quickly, and it was an easy opportunity to be able to help make a difference. We wanted to make sure we’re covering nights that were not being served by other agencies in the community,” says Captain Tracy Savage, Community Ministries Officer with The Salvation Army St. Thomas Citadel.

Monday and Wednesday nights were chosen to fill a gap in the community, as meals were not being provided on those evenings through other local agencies that also support vulnerable populations in St. Thomas.

“We’re seeing a lot of positive changes in people’s lives through this program. It’s not just the food; they are gaining friendship and we’re building relationships. People know we are here for them and that we are willing to help,” Captain Tracy says.

Getting to personally know the people assisted through the Mobilizing Meals program in St. Thomas allows the staff to refer clients into areas of need such as addiction resources or mental health supports.

“It’s important to have that friendship and that relationship so that we are able to speak into their lives,” Captain Tracy says.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Mobilizing Meals program in St. Thomas can donate online at www.salvationarmy.ca by selecting St. Thomas Citadel or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.