Salvation Army Food Bank Client Receives Life-Changing Support

For six months, Louva Taylor went through one of the most difficult times of her life. After relocating to Vernon, B.C., she experienced homelessness and struggled to make ends meet.

With limited income and no one to rely on, Louva turned to The Salvation Army food bank for assistance.

“Initially, I was in tears when I arrived. I was embarrassed and felt like I was in the wrong place. However, the staff told me I shouldn’t feel bad. They welcomed me and got me out of my shell,” she shares. 

Access to the food bank was a turning point for Louva. The assistance kept her afloat while she secured permanent housing with support from The Salvation Army and other local organizations.

The staff’s encouragement was important in helping her maintain a positive outlook during a tough period.

“I couldn’t afford both food and rent, so it’s been a big help.”

“They gave me personal support. If I was having a bad day, seeing the faces of the workers at The Salvation Army turned it into a good day,” she adds.

As Louva became familiar with the food bank’s operations and staff, a particular experience made her realize she could become more involved.

“One day there was nobody at the front desk, so I stood there and helped direct people until someone came back,” she says. “After that, they told me I would be a good fit for volunteering here.”

Since then, Louva has become a familiar face to guests, consistently logging more than 100 volunteer hours each month. She assists clients and sometimes guides them as they pick food items.

“It’s nice to give back to the community. It is a part of my life I enjoy,” Louva adds.

Interacting with Louva is comforting because she connects with them in a meaningful way.

“They know I am not just volunteering here, I am a client too and I am not ashamed to say it.”

“It feels like a community where we are all brothers and sisters.”

As someone who has experienced both sides of the assistance, Louva is proud of the food bank’s work. She is especially fond of its points-based shopping system, which gives families freedom of choice and flexibility to access products when they need them. 

“I think it helps families to budget better,” she says. “As long as you make your points last, you can come as often as you want.”

Louva has been involved with The Salvation Army for over six years now. She appreciates the support she received and believes it was life-changing.

“Without them, I wouldn’t have a house to live in,” Louva shares. “I couldn’t afford both food and rent, so it’s been a big help.”

She adds that the organization had a significant emotional impact on her as well.

“I have so many friends at The Salvation Army. It feels like a community where we are all brothers and sisters. It’s really nice.”

By Juan Romero