Salvation Army helps in tough times

Jan. 19, 2009

When the Miramichi Hospital referred a man who had no place to stay to the Salvation Army, the charity's new directors did what they could to help.

Community resource centre director Cpt. Wilson Sutton said they met with the man, put him up in a hotel and arranged for him to get to a shelter in Moncton.

"I think he was trying to get himself on his feet again."

Since taking over their duties as directors on Jan. 5, Sutton and his wife Darlene have been trying to meet people in the community and get organized as they adjust to their new roles.

The couple have already done approximately eight or 10 applications for a government heating assistance program with the province because the economy has been so rough in the Miramichi, Wilson said.

"That's put people in a rough situation."

Wilson said the Salvation Army will try to partner with other organizations in the Miramichi to help people in need.

"As long as it's done to help meet the needs that's the main thing."

One of those needs is a warm place to sleep for people who might otherwise spend a night on the street.

In the past they have sent homeless people to Moncton by bus, but he said they are looking at getting four beds for a shelter, which head office gave them approval to put in at the back of the building on Pleasant Street.

"There seems to be a need."

Wilson said they will meet with funding partners and he hopes to arrange to get the work done within the next few months.

"There's been a lot of work done over the last year or so."

In the meantime, he said he hopes people will help if they know someone is on the street during the latest cold snap.

"I'm sure in this cold weather no one wants to see someone left outside.

Some of the services the Salvation Army offer in Miramichi include the thrift store, grocery vouchers for people who need food, suppers twice a week and partnerships with oil companies to help people in emergency situations.

Although he said some programs might have been lost in the transition with the last director, the couple will look at all the programs as they adjust to their new position.

"We will see what's needed here and try to revive what needs to be done."

Miramichi isn't a big city, but there is a need out there for the Salvation Army and the couple needs to learn about the area and the people, he said.

"The biggest things is finding what resources there are."

One thing missing from the Salvation Army's ministry in Miramichi is a church, which has been torn down. Darlene said a lot people have been asking them if there will be one in Miramichi again.

"It was a big part of the community."

Even though there isn't a Salvation Army church in the area, they can help meet people's spiritual needs and help them find a church in the community, she said.

"We can direct them."