The Salvation Army Halifax Centre of Hope is preparing for a busy winter and is asking for the community's help this season as the province recovers from Hurricane Fiona's impacts.
The centre on Gottingen Street houses a men's shelter, an addictions centre, a chapel, dining hall, halfway house, as well as a family services division including clothing, a food bank, and various community programs.
On a monthly basis, the charity serves 350 families through its food bank and is anticipating serving around 3,000 families around the winter holidays. The Centre of Hope has around 50 emergency shelter beds for men in addition to their recovery programs and traditional housing.
Jennifer Hale has been with the charity for over 20 years and is currently working as the executive director of community and family services. As Christmas approaches, the Salvation Army has several opportunities for interested community members to support.
"We are heading into the Christmas season, which is always a big season for us. We have a number of opportunities where people can serve and support. Our Christmas registration opens on Monday, October 24 and runs until December 15. We also have a number of volunteer opportunities and are receiving toy donations, specifically for the ages of eight to 11," said Hale.
The Salvation Army is receiving volunteers for their toy warehouse, where volunteers would pick and package toys to gift to kids in need. They are also hosting their Santa Shuffle run event, in partnership with the Running Room on Nov.10.
Hale said she noticed a change in the demographic coming into the organization due to the pandemic and inflation.
"We are seeing a lot of younger families, we're seeing some students who are coming to access our support. We are definitely seeing some changes in the people that we're serving. With inflation and the rising cost of housing, there are a lot of factors impacting our society people's ability to be self-supportive," she added.
Hale said the Salvation Army was affected by Hurricane Fiona, particularly in other regions of the province in Cape Breton, and Halifax was able to send an increase of support needed for the food bank.
The food bank is looking for items such as pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, snacks, canned items, juices, non-perishables and items for families.
"Diapers are very expensive, particularly for families who have more than one child. So that is a need as well, that we're trying to meet and could use some support from the community," said Hale.
The Salvation Army started an initiative called the Pathway of Hope two years to help rehabilitate clients and members in the community.
Shikha Sarah Gupta is a Pathway of Hope caseworker. Photo by Sara Gouda.
Shikha Sarah Gupta is a caseworker who worked with the Salvation Army for four years and has helped rehabilitate about ten clients in this initiative.
"We are an intensive case management program. I work one on one with individuals and families, who want to change their life, so they come to me, and we figure out a plan. We work on goals. I work with clients for a minimum of six months to a maximum of one year," said Gupta.
Gupta said the program provides them with services and helps connect them with resources in the area, such as helping them search for jobs, resume building, food bank services, help with taxes and counseling services.
Listen to the full interview with Jennifer Hale below: