Salvation for the homeless

By Fabricio Rivera-Paz

Salvation in Windsor.

Members of a local Salvation Army are helping Windsorites in need prepare for the 2015 holiday season.

Since its opening over 150 years ago, the Salvation Army has helped families in the Windsor Essex area by facilitating events such as bake sales and Christmas fundraising. These activities contribute to their goal of helping these people reform themselves.

The shelter’s housing manager said the holidays are one of the busiest times of the year.

“The busiest time of year is during the spring and holidays,” said Sandra Herrera. “They help Windsor with low income families by giving supplies, toys, food and jobs.”

Registration for Toys is an event giving toys, clothes, and coats to poverty-stricken families in need with children.

According to the SA website, the organization strives to meet people’s physical and spiritual needs. It is present in 120 countries.

Spencer Carter, 55, lives on the streets of Windsor. He said he has been staying at the Salvation Army on Church Street for the past several years.

“I lived in Detroit for 30 years.” said Carter, “I moved around from Toronto, London and Barry. I was doing drugs and was a troubled child. I started drinking and smoking at the age of 12.”

Carter said he used these substances to escape stressors such as growing up with parents.

“My mom was an addict and died when I was young” said Carter. “My father was also an addict and spent most of his life in jail.”

The Salvation Army has helped him with addiction and mental struggles for the past several years. However, he said even with their help he tends to regress.

While many tend to shy away from people in need, the Salvation Army accepts people with open arms and is an organization that does not discriminate people for who they are.

“It is important because we help the people that no one cares about,” said Sandra Herrera.

For more information, visit http://www.salvationarmy.ca