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Weblog:
News from the Salvation Army Community Centre
Salvation Army Annual Christmas Dinner Photos
I know I am late posting these but thanks to everyone who made the 2009 Annual Salvation Army Community Christmas Dinner a big success. I did manage to take some photos and you can see the photoset here or check out the gallery below. Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer Labels: Christmas, Life at the Centre, Saskatoon, winter
Winter in Saskatoon
If you are in Saskatoon right now, you just survived a really cold snap and even though it has warmed up quite a bit, it is still cold outside.
Many people phone and e-mail and ask what do we do when it gets this cold. Well we do a bunch of things to make sure that no one is left out in the cold.
- During the day we open our lounge up for clients so they can stay out of the cold. While normally we close down the place for cleaning during the day, when it is this cold, it stays open all day so guys do not have to go outside. As soon as the dorms and washrooms are cleaned, we open all of them back up for the men so they can have some more space to relax, catch up on some sleep, or read.
- People naturally assume that we get a lot busier when it gets this cold but generally it is a little quieter (people tend to hunker down and stay put when it is this cold). If we do get busier, we would make available our entire building rather than refuse someone (we hate refusing anyone on the basis of space at the best of times but in the winter we make sure that no one is going to freeze). Years ago I took a tour of an old Soviet submarine. It had bunks on the engines and the torpedoes. While the Centre doesn't have torpedoes, we will put a mattress and a bunk anywhere if it means that no one is left out in the cold. If we do run out of room, we put clients up in local hotels.
- We work with Larson House and the Saskatoon City Police to ensure people who are intoxicated or high are taken care of if they do wander into our place. Speaking of the Saskatoon City Police, officers do bring in people that do not have shelter or who have been found in shelter that isn't suitable for the weather outside. We warm them up, give them suitable winter gear, and give them a safe place to sleep. Outside of the city limits, the local RCMP does the same thing with hitchhikers. They bring them down and we help them out.
- Our Clothing Cave is generally open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday but in cold weather we outfit people any time they need it. At both of our reception areas we have mitts, toques, scarves, socks, and thanks to the generous donations of the people of Saskatoon.
- While this doesn't happen just because it is really cold out, once the temperature starts to dip a bit, the kitchen staff bring out the porridge and oat meal. Wilfred Brimley would be proud. When it is cold like this the kitchen tends to heap up the portions and serves bigger meals to compensate for the calories burned to stay warm.
Despite our best efforts, there are still people choosing to be outside this winter. We know many of them through their past stays with us or through our drop in programs during the day and on the weekend evenings. At every opportunity we invite them to come and stay with us or we work at finding other sleeping arrangements for them if we are not their best option. It’s an ongoing process but one we continue to ensure that those who are in the cold have safe and warm accommodations during our winter. Even for those who refuse our offers of warmth, we provide blankets, warm (or warmer) clothing and winter gear to help them keep warm. If you are looking for a way to help, there are a couple things you can do to make a difference. - Donate. Whether it be a financial donation or if you have a warm winter jacket, socks, toques, gloves, men's underwear (and long underwear) or a scarf, it all helps out. You can drop off a donation at 339 Avenue C South anytime, day or night. When it is this cold we give out the stuff as soon as it comes in so whatever you can give, our clients appreciate tremendously.
- Direct people panhandling or who are in need to us. At this temperature we do not turn anyone away and we work with the Ministry of Social Services to ensure all of their essential needs are met. A warm bed and three and a half meals a day are provided (we provide a filling snack at night as well). If the person needs a different agency or more help then we can offer, we keep them safe, warm, and comfortable while we arrange whatever help is needed.
- Help spread the news about what we do. Despite being here for over 100 years, some people don't know that there is a men's hostel in town or that we help women in emergency need. We work hard at getting the word out but we can always use your help as well.
Labels: homeless, Life at the Centre, Residential Services, Riversdale, Saskatoon, urban, winter
Under what circumstances is someone forbidden to stay at the Salvation Army?
We get this asked once in a while and this answer comes from our F.A.Q. While we try our best at helping out the most amount of people possible, there are some people that we do not allow to reside or use services at the Salvation Army. In the past some clients have become extremely violent towards staff or other clients or have endangered people who stay or work here in another way (drug dealing, starting fires, or extensive willful damage to the facility). There are some clients who insist on abusing drugs, alcohol, or other substances which impact their ability to stay here. The Centre is full of clients who are working hard at staying clean and sober and for those who are not at that point, we are not always their best option. Also there are those that can not function within the rules of the Centre and become a danger to the staff and other people around them. In those cases other residential placements are better options. In the vast majority of cases we will ban a client for a finite period of time and after that time is past, we welcome them back to the Centre and we will work well together at resolving the issues we have. There are some clients however that because of consistent danger towards others, are not allowed to come back until those violence issues are dealt with. While we are the only men’s hostel in town, there are other supported living spaces available. What we find is that there is a wide range of individuals that need emergency shelter and while we would like to be able to help everyone, this is the wrong kind of place for a small percentage of clients to be. When possible, we work with the Ministry of Social Services and other agencies to find better placements. There are the occasional situation that we just have to refuse for the safety of staff, other residents, and the public we serve. It’s not a decision we make lightly and as a provider of emergency housing, having to refuse someone does go against who we are but there are times we have no other option and have to refuse services to them. If you have any questions about how we handle these situations, feel free to contact the Centre at 244.6280 or email Jordon Cooper, our Residential Coordinator. Labels: Family Services, Food Services, Life at the Centre, Residential Services
H1N1 Virus and the Salvation Army Community Centre
We thought that we would let you know that the Salvation Army Community Centre does have a plan to deal with H1N1 if it hits Saskatchewan hard. We have a plan to minimize it’s affects on our residents and the general public. If we do have an outbreak of it at the Centre, we have plans to help those who are infected as well as keeping our other residents safe. For more information on H1N1 in Saskatchewan, check out Fight Flu.ca or the Government of Saskatchewan’s Influenza website. 
Labels: Life at the Centre
Free Counselling at the Centre
 Christian Counselling Services is offering free counselling for anyone who needs someone to talk to on Friday mornings at the Centre. If you are interested, please talk to the Front Desk staff for an appointment. The service is free, confidential, and is with a trained counsellor. Labels: Life at the Centre
Fall Supper at the Salvation Army Community Centre
Restaurant Inspections
With a fair amount of fanfare, the Government of Saskatchewan has released their Saskatchewan Restaurant Inspection Reports. Like all places that serve food in Saskatoon and area, the Salvation Army’s kitchen and dining room is regularly inspected as is our Emergency Response Vehicle. You can go online and check out what the reports say or you can take our word for it. We are quite proud at how clean our kitchen at the Centre is kept and the report specifies that there are no issues with either one of our food service areas. Labels: Food Services, Life at the Centre, Saskatoon
Poverty Linked to Higher Health Care Costs
The Star Phoenix has a quick story on how a new study links poverty to higher health care costs. I was asked to comment and you can read the entire article here. Low-income Saskatoon residents are disproportionately more likely to visit a hospital, make use of expensive health services and take medication, says a study to be published Wednesday. The paper, to be published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health, is the first of its kind in Canada to link individual income levels to health survey information from Statistics Canada on a regional level, co-author Mark Lemstra says. The study uses health and income data collected from 3,433 Saskatoon residents between 2000 and 2005. It confirms previous findings that low-income residents are more likely to use expensive health services, such as emergency rooms, and have poorer health overall. Lemstra says more must be done to elevate low-income people to a middle-income range, which he says could save the province $179 million per year in health-care expenditures. "You can't have a medical solution to non-medical problems," Lemstra said. "It costs an extra $179 million to ignore poverty." Labels: homeless, Life at the Centre, poverty
The Salvation Army Community Centre and “wet shelters”
Earlier this week a story was published on CBC Saskatchewan that addressed a recent report (PDF) published by the Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, interviewed 44 people who were having trouble finding housing.. Captain Rhonda Smith and I sat down with a reporter from CBC Radio and we addressed several of the issues that came up in the report that were relevant to our role as a shelter for men in Saskatoon. When the story did come out, it focused on some comments I made about wet shelters. The quotes made it look like we as a Centre were engaged in discussions about a wet shelter which is not accurate and was never the intent of my answer. The greater context of the answer made it clear that the Salvation Army Community Centre is a drug and alcohol free shelter and as a “dry shelter”, we were the wrong people to ask about the effectiveness of wet shelters. I suggested that the people to talk to about wet shelters were the Saskatoon Health Region and more specifically Larson House. When the story was published, I was disappointed that the article did not share the broader context of our conversation and it gave the impression that we were actively engaged in discussions about a wet shelter in Saskatoon when we are not. For over 100 years in Saskatoon, the Salvation Army has been providing assistance to people with a variety of social and spiritual needs. The Salvation Army Community Centre in Saskatoon continues this practice by offering a alcohol and drug free environment for the community to take come to and receive food, shelter, emergency services, budget management, and spiritual care. Clients who do choose to drink or consume drugs are referred to Larson House or in the case of extreme intoxication, are picked up by the Saskatoon City Police (or if it is in their best medical interests, we call an ambulance and they are given medical care). While the vast majority of the 18,000+ beds we served up in 2008 were used by men wanting a drug and alcohol free shelter, some of our clients are determined to continue to consume drugs and alcohol on a consistent basis. For those clients we work with them in finding other places to reside and in extreme cases, we ask that they do find other places to reside other than our facility for the safety of our staff and other clients. If you have any questions about this or any other manner, don’t hesitate to call the Centre at 306.242.6833 or e-mail jordon.cooper@salvationarmysaskatoon.org or our Executive Director at rhonda_smith@can.salvationarmy.org. Labels: homeless, Life at the Centre, Residential Services, Saskatoon
Montreal woman lends a hand as she travels across Canada
An article in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix about Deborah Hayek who joined us at the Centre last week.  A few weeks ago, Deborah Hayek was eating Easter supper with her family in Montreal when she got her big idea.
She decided to take a train across Canada, stopping in several cities to volunteer, before arriving at her grandmother's home in Vancouver. "When you go to a city for two or three days, it's hard to get out of the tourist mode," she said. "I was trying to think of ways so that I could meet people and actually understand the country better." She began calling people in different cities to make connections. Less than a week after she began, she got on the train. "I tend to do things kind of spontaneously," she said. The spur-of-the moment project took the 23-year-old from Quebec to Saskatoon. She spent Earth Day collecting garbage and planting trees in Toronto and volunteered at the MS Walk in Winnipeg. On Tuesday, she was seated in front of a group of 10- and 11-year-old students as a volunteer for the Junior Achievement program. Her mock job interview for a class of Grade 5 students at Brunskill School sent giggles throughout the room as the students prepared to critique her skills. The students are part of a business basics program delivered by Junior Achievement volunteer Lisa Strozen. As a teacher and business owner, Strozen goes into classrooms to teach students about businesses, with the hope of encouraging them to create their own ventures. On Tuesday, she trained Hayek to deliver the program to students. She also plans to volunteer at the Salvation Army in Saskatoon and the rehabilitation centre for adults with brain injuries and take part in a conversational circle with new immigrants. If you want to join the many people across Saskatoon (and now from across Canada) who volunteer at the Centre, feel free to give us a call at 306.242.6833. We have a wide range of places and opportunities for those who want to make a difference in Saskatoon! Labels: Family Services, Food Services, Life at the Centre
The Salvation Army Garage Sale and Barbecue
By the numbers
The numbers below give you an idea of what kind of year the Salvation Army Community Centre had in 2008. Our 2007 stats - 6638 beds used
- 67,417 meals served
- 4,055 breakfasts served to high school students
- 3,533 women and children provided with emergency after hours assistance
- 1141 hotel rooms used to provide emergency shelter for women and children
- 228 emergency infant needs provided for
- 4205 Christmas hampers given out
- 2222 people given free clothing
- 219 emergency food hampers distributed
- 70 inner city kids sent to camp
- 113 Family Tracing cases handled
What we did in 2008 It's been quite a year and we want to thank our the Government of Saskatchewan for continued funding, the support of thousands of people making donations at the Centre, via the Christmas kettles, and the Red Shield appeal, and all of the other NGO's in the city that we work with on a daily basis to make Saskatoon a better place to live for people in need. Labels: Affordable Housing, Beaver Creek Camp, Christmas, Emergency Disaster Services, Family Services, Food Services, Life at the Centre, Residential Services, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
Government of Canada Announces $450,000 in support for the Emergency Women’s Shelter in Saskatoon
The Government of Canada announced a $450,000 contribution through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy for the Salvation Army Community Centre to open a women’s shelter on Friday. Canada’s Government is helping families and individuals in Saskatchewan break free from the cycles of homelessness and poverty and build a stronger future for themselves. Mr. Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and to the Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Souris–Moose Mountain, today announced investments in 12 projects in Saskatchewan under the Government’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS). “Our government is delivering on our commitment to help those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We are proud to support community efforts that help find local solutions to local issues,” said Mr. Komarnicki, who made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “By investing over $1.7 million in these 12 projects across Saskatchewan, we are supporting community efforts to help those in need.” The announcement took place at the Salvation Army Community Centre in Saskatoon, a shelter, food provider and drop-in centre. The organization is receiving HPS funding to help create 42 emergency shelter beds and six temporary cots for women and children. Individuals will benefit by having a safe place to live in which they can access support services and transition out of homelessness. “The Salvation Army Women’s Shelter will provide a safe and supportive environment for women and children in times of crisis, empowering women to take the necessary steps to obtain safe, secure and long-term stable housing for themselves and their families,” said Captain Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of the Salvation Army Community Centre. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy provides funds over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness. The HPS recognizes that housing stability is essential to self-sufficiency and full participation in Canadian society. The Strategy focuses on transitional and supportive housing as important measures to help people overcome homelessness. With its clear goals of improved partnerships, enhanced sustainability and tangible results, HPS will provide concrete, meaningful and lasting results for Canadians in need. “Our government is investing more in affordable and supportive housing than any other federal government in Canada’s history and, as a result, we are helping tens of thousands of Canadians who are especially vulnerable in the current economic environment,” said Mr. Komarnicki. The link between homelessness and mental illness is well established. In 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the first-ever Mental Health Commission of Canada. In Budget 2008, the Government committed $110 million for the Commission to develop new, innovative demonstration projects to help Canadians facing mental health and homelessness. Labels: homeless, Life at the Centre, Residential Services, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Women's Shelter
Barbecue's For Sale
For anyone who is interested, the Salvation Army Community Centre has some barbecues for sale. They are almost all refurbished Broilkings and are sale for $10 (large) or $5 (small). The proceeds support the missions activities of New Hope Community Church. If you are interested, please contact the Centre at 242.6833 or stop by anytime during office hours. Labels: Life at the Centre
2008 Staff Appreciation Barbecue at Beaver Creek Camp
On August 23rd, most of the staff of the Saskatoon Salvation Army Community Centre got together for a barbecue at Beaver Creek Camp, just outside of Saskatoon. 
The Centre is staffed 24/7/365 so it is quite hard to get everyone in one place at once. For those that were there, it was a relaxing evening of food, pop, and avoiding the wasps that were trying to enjoy our food and pop as well. We do have some more photos posted over at Flickr. Labels: Beaver Creek Camp, Life at the Centre
Welcome Captain Smith
Yesterday the Salvation Army Community Centre welcomed a new Executive Director, Captain Rhonda Smith over coffee. She replaces Major Henri Regamey who has been the Centre's Interim Executive Director since January. The staff is looking forward to working with Captain Smith as we all serve the people of Saskatoon. If you need to contact Captain Smith, the Centre's phone number is 306.242.6833 and her e-mail address is rhonda_smith AT can.salvationarmy.org Labels: admin, Life at the Centre
Remembering Rod Anderson
Today the Centre shut down over lunch time as most of the staff attended the funeral for Rod Anderson. Rod has been staff for just over two years at the Centre and will be much missed by the staff and residents. His obituary from the Star Phoenix is below. Rodney Peter Anderson January 21st, 1972 May 8th, 2008 Rodney Anderson passed unexpectedly on Thursday, May 8th, 2008. He will be loved and remembered by his sister, Evelyn Anderson (Randy Hebb); brother, David Anderson; step father, David Hardie; uncles, Merle (Esther) Anderson, Mervin Anderson; aunts, Brenda Anderson and Yvonne (Irvin) Steiner and numerous cousins. Rodney was predeceased by his mother, Joanne; grandfather, Peter and grandmother, Emma. 
Labels: Life at the Centre
Ministry Weekend | May 23-25, 2008
- Who: The Salvation Army Community Centre together with local churches.
- What: Speakers, bands, and food.
- When May 23-25th, 2008
- Where: Salvation Army Community Centre Parking lot
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Crystal or Cindy at 242-6833 Labels: Family Services, Life at the Centre, Riversdale, Saskatoon, Upcoming Events
How can you help?
 If you are wondering how you can get involved in serving at the Salvation Army Community Centre, there are several ways and places where you make a difference. If you are looking to volunteer, check out the web page and contact our volunteer coordinator, Crystal Genaille. If you are looking to give, our contact and giving information can be found here. If you are looking to donate some goods, please check out our wishlist.
Which ever way you choose to get involved, we are glad that we can partner in it together. Labels: Life at the Centre, Saskatoon
Pancake Breakfast
Crocus Co-op is holding a pancake breakfast on May 8th from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 106 Avenue B South. They are recognizing Mental Health Week and everyone is welcome. Also, for those of you who know our Budget Management worker, Sharon Brown, she is serving pancakes from 9:00 to 9:15 a.m. that Thursday so come on down and see Sharon during her 15 minutes of fame. Labels: Life at the Centre, Riversdale, Upcoming Events
We have a new website!
Thanks for stopping by the new site for the Salvation Army Community Centre in Saskatoon. After a couple of long nights in front of my laptop and some quality time with Dreamweaver, the Centre's website is now almost complete. There is a couple of areas that I thought I would highlight today. - You have found our weblog already but you can also follow it via RSS in your favorite feed reader.
- We have photos! | While only a couple have been uploaded so far to Flickr, there will be hundreds more going online in the next couple of days that should give you an idea of what life at the Salvation Army Community Centre is like.
- Our YouTube Channel | While we have been too busy working on the website to shoot much video, there will be video being uploaded over the next couple of months. Until then you can explore some of the videos from across YouTube we have marked as favorites. Some are serious while others are kind of fun.
- The Centre's Programs | Apparently we are quite busy around the Centre. We provide residential, correctional, food, family tracing, and family services. On top of that we have a full time chaplain and New Hope Community Church that calls the Centre home.
- Upcoming Events | We use Yahoo!'s wonderful Upcoming service to post upcoming events happening at the Centre.
- Keep up to date via e-mail | Sign up for our general newsletter and any media releases we sign out here.
Take a look around and if you see anything out of place, I would love to hear back from you at jordon.cooper@salvationarmyscc.com. Labels: admin, Life at the Centre
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The Salvation Army Community Centre is hosting a Fall Supper on October 17 at 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
