Bringing the Community Together at Scarborough Citadel

At a busy Toronto intersection, the lobby of The Salvation Army Scarborough Citadel is an open, welcoming and inclusive community hub for anyone in need of fellowship, friendship, or a simple cup of coffee.

With a $75,000 Salvation Army Innovation Grant, a refreshed Citadel lobby is now a comforting space with public access for informal gatherings and community programs. Tim Horton’s customers have a place to sit and drink their coffee, nearby apartment residents have a place to meet, and Toronto Transit Commission drivers have an indoor space to spend their break. Salvation Army Community and Family Services clients use the Citadel foyer as a waiting area to pick up from the food bank.

“This project builds our Community and Family Services ministry where clients, childcare families, local residents and community members feel comfortable and safe gathering together,” says Scarborough Citadel Corps Officer Captain Johnny Valencia.

Outside, the City of Toronto installed benches and planters filled with flowers to beautify the corner. Inside, improved lighting, couches, chairs and tables make the space feel welcoming for people in the community looking for a place to sit and have a conversation.

Some people using the space are now food bank clients, as staff and volunteers get to know them and learn of their additional needs. Between January and September 2023, 188 people attended a church service for the first time, which Captain Valencia attributes to people learning more about Scarborough Citadel while they hang out in the lobby.

“Every week we see two or three people having conversations with staff or volunteers, and they say, ‘Yes, I want to talk to a pastor,’ which leads to a deeper conversation into how we can help. We want to be transformational, not transactional,” Captain Valencia says.

“Not everyone is looking to us to make things better; sometimes all they need is a handshake, a hug, prayer or someone to listen. People know they can go to a food bank for food, but if they come to church at Scarborough Citadel, they get hope.”

To learn more about Scarborough Citadel, its supportive community programs and services, please visit www.scarboroughcitadel.ca.