Frozen streets to fireside chats – Northern Hemisphere Salvos at work
- simoneworthing
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
As winter temperatures begin to bite in the Northern Hemisphere, Salvation Army teams are out and about, caring for the homeless and hungry, the lonely and those seeking, not just warm drinks, but a warm atmosphere and a place to belong. Salvos Online journalist SIMONE WORTHING highlights winter work being carried out by The Salvation Army in places like Ukraine, Canada, England and Sweden.
Ukraine – love on frozen streets
Despite the severe cold and ongoing Russian attacks on electricity and heating infrastructure in war-torn Ukraine, The Salvation Army continues to support communities.
Salvationists and volunteers from Kropyvnytskyi Corps, amid rolling blackouts, provided hot meals and compassionate care to homeless individuals on local streets,
“Living on the streets with temperatures dropping to –21°C is unimaginable,” a Salvation Army worker said.
“Please keep our division, the country, and Ukrainians in your thoughts and prayers.”
Canada – hope in the subarctic
It has become an annual tradition for students from St Patrick High School in Yellowknife (400km south of the Arctic Circle) to support The Salvation Army during the holiday season through food donations.
As part of a school Christmas initiative, the students formed a human chain to move more than 100 boxes of non-perishable food items from the street into The Salvation Army.
This initiative takes place each year and the partnership between the school and the Army has become a local highlight of the holiday season.
“It is one of our favourite activities,” said Jennifer Butler, community and family services manager at The Salvation Army.
“The students lined up across the street and brought loads of boxes into our food room.”
This donation came during one of the most critical times for the Yellowknife community. Hundreds of people who access Salvation Army services continue to struggle with the high cost of living, particularly during Christmas time.
“Our food bank helps up to 400 families each month, so this support will keep us going for a little while,” Jennifer adds. “Donations like these make a real difference for the families and individuals who rely on us.”
Major Tony Brushett, executive director at The Salvation Army in Yellowknife, complimented the positive energy and enthusiasm of the young participants.
“Seeing students participate in this initiative is also a hopeful glimpse into the future,” he said.
England – connection through fireside chats
A warm firepit and warmer conversations have brought men together to improve their mental health at Rotherham Salvation Army.
Chaplain Paul ‘Huggy’ Huggins, who started ‘The Firepit’ said: “The idea was ‘new playground, new playmates’, giving people a place to be where they are supported with good people around them.
“The group also meet for quiz nights, walks, curry nights and go on trips twice a year.
Craig, a Salvation Army volunteer and Firepit visitor added: “You can openly say ‘I’m struggling’ without having to think about the repercussions. You can discuss your feelings with no judgment.”
Sweden – assistance finding a place to live
In the capital, Stockholm, hundreds of families face homelessness.
The Salvation Army’s Housing First program is aimed at homeless women throughout Stockholm County.
The goal is to assist 15 families a year to obtain a first-choice contract with a private landlord – for which The Salvation Army provides financial guarantees and individually tailored support programs and referrals.
For at least 80 per cent of these families, there is an increased chance of The Salvation Army helping them to find a permanent place to live.
Per-Johan Fernström (left) is the spokesperson for homelessness issues at The Salvation Army. Photo: Teresia Jansson. The Salvation Army’s Carolina Lövmark and Jenny Alm (right). Photo: Jonas Nimmersjö.
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