As we again journey through the season of Advent, The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) has launched a free online devotional booklet by Captain Laura van Schaick, a writer for the daily devotional Words of Life. The booklet can be downloaded or read online here. “As we begin our Advent journey, we look towards the birth of Jesus and the hope that is promised as we wait for Jesus’ return,” writes Laura. “In these days between hope fulfilled and hope longed-for, may we recognise our role in bringing the light of hope to an often-dark world. “This year, as we journey through the Advent season, we will pause each week to again remind ourselves about the hope, peace, joy and love that can be ours because of the miracle of that first Christmas: Jesus moving into our neighbourhood.” Australian resources The Mission Resources team have created resources to assist with Advent worship services around the Australia Territory under the theme ‘Living With’. Week 1 is ‘Living with hope’. To access sermons, reflections and all social media assets head over to mySalvos Toolkit: https://tinyurl.com/27mnkmjj

BY ANTHONY CASTLE The Salvation Army is releasing new resources to encourage and equip Salvos to include people with disabilities more intentionally in faith communities and mission. Joseph Pinkard is The Salvation Army’s national Disability Inclusion Lead, starting in August last year, and he began in the role by considering a new approach to resourcing. “Over the last year, I spent considerable time listening to Salvos living with disability, corps leaders and reviewing the existing disability inclusion resources. I felt there was scope to do something amplifying the lived experiences of people and their carers and exploring biblical perspectives on disability too. The lived experience of disability is so broad. Visible and invisible disabilities, people who are born with a disability and those who acquire them, to those who live with multiple disabilities. Bringing together a diverse range of perspectives provides a fuller picture than you would normally get from just one person writing all the devotionals.” The devotional is aimed at individuals exploring the topic of disability inclusion in a diverse range of Salvo mission expressions. Belonging and becoming is an accessible digital devotional featuring seven reflections contributed by Salvos with a lived experience or a personal connection to disability. “Scripture was written over a period of time thousands of years ago, and its perspectives on disability somewhat align with our understanding today and somewhat differ as well,” Joseph explains. “The Bible is central to our faith; there’s no reason to shy away from it when it comes to disability, but we do need to approach with an openness regarding what’s being said and what we interpret about disability.” The Salvation Army’s focus on disability inclusion is about creating mission expressions where people with disabilities experience welcome and belonging, ensuring equitable opportunities to engage with mission.Themes of disability and inclusion feature throughout Scripture, from commands around community support, ritualistic instructions, poetry, and the miracle stories. For those with a disability, the relationship with the biblical narrative can be liberating or fraught, depending on how it is interpreted. “There are stories in the New Testament where Jesus is healing people with disability,” Joseph explains. “Think of the story of the man born blind in John. That passage explores the question, ‘Why does disability happen?’ Is it something that’s caused by sin? We need to create spaces to engage with these stories, to consider their connotations and to wrestle with it. Particularly regarding questions of healing. What does healing actually mean for a person living with a disability? Some people living with disability may not even want to be healed in the sense we assume they might.” Belonging and becoming approaches these Scripture stories with a lived experience of disability to hear what personal perspectives can share on the passages. Each devotion focuses on a different aspect of disability inclusion and features a biblical perspective, reflection questions and a prayer. “The Salvation Army is an organisation with an enormous connection to disability,” Joseph explains. “The amount of people who live with disabilities, have a family member with a disability, or a connection to disability is huge. Disability runs through all our streams and mission expressions. It surprised me how many people have a connection to disability.” The Disability Inclusion Toolkit on mySalvos features a range of other resources, including a Disability Inclusion Checklist to help local mission expressions reflect on their local context, a Disability Inclusion Discipleship Study that can be used by small groups or individuals, and a Disability Inclusion Language Guide. Other materials include assets for Neurodiverse Discipleship Groups, Auslan Interpreter Services and Fees, and a guide to celebrating International Day of People with Disability. “If we don’t get this right, people get excluded,” Joseph explains. “They develop a view of the Church that isn’t as welcoming as it wants to be. That’s sad. Everyone is part of God’s Kingdom, including people with disabilities, which is what we see in Jesus’ parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14. Everyone had a role to play, everyone is a part of the body, as we read in 1 Corinthians 12. When we get it wrong and don’t include people with disability to serve and participate, we lose part of the body of the Christ.” Belonging and becoming will be available in a range of delivery methods so different people can engage with it according to their needs, and is now available for download from the Disability Inclusion Toolkit on mySalvos.

As we celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Major Sue Davies shares her story of the hard days, the good days, and most of all how holding onto Scripture has been her lifeline. She reminds us that God has fearfully and wonderfully made his people and that people with disabilities have wonderful gifts to share.

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it? Presently, I have three roles, all of which I enjoy and find fulfilling. Along with my wife, Sharon, I am now in my eighth year of being Area Officer for the Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and South Burnett regions. At the beginning of 2023, I was appointed as Assistant Divisional Commander for Queensland. My third role is Coordinator for INSPIRE, which is a spiritual leadership development journey for officers and employed Salvation Army mission leaders. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? While my roles do keep me well occupied, I strongly believe that to see effective work outcomes, one needs to balance work with time off to relax and unwind. If the wind and tides are right, I go fishing or bike riding. If not, we might watch a good movie or go for a drive. I also love a good coffee! 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? Good question. Don’t know if I have any real favourites, but over the past year, the songs I Speak Jesus and The Goodness of God have been significant to me for different reasons. 4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about? As with many others, I would like to have a conversation with Paul. While he has a great transformation story and great theological knowledge, he was also one who personally struggled at times. Even though he experienced both personal challenges and persecution from those who should have known better, he remained steadfast to the calling on his life and his personal relationship with God. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? There is no doubt that officership is not for everyone. In saying that, I can’t think of one appointment over the past 37 years where I have not found fulfilment. That’s not saying everything has been easy. Sharon and I have had to work through with God some very challenging times, but overall we have been to places, had a myriad of experiences, and seen God at work in many ways that we may not have experienced if we had chosen a different path.

On 1 December 2018, The Salvation Army in Australia officially became one national territory to enhance mission opportunities and to impact more Australians with the love of Jesus. When the Australia One project commenced, we knew it would be a journey of ongoing change. Although this has not been easy, the benefit of a united voice, shared vision, stronger partnerships and improved stewardship does give us a reason to celebrate and be inspired by what lies ahead.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Colonel Rodney Walters represented The Salvation Army at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday for the official launch of the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the 36th annual appeal, supported by Kmart Group Managing Director Ian Bailey, alongside Kmart’s founding charity partner, The Salvation Army. It was the first time Miriam and the Prime Minister had met in their current executive roles. “It was a wonderful day in Canberra celebrating our partnership with Kmart at the launch of the Christmas tree,” Miriam said. “We are grateful ... Aussies are good when times are tough. Thank you!” Rodney, Secretary for Communications, said he felt blessed and humbled to be part of the occasion. “[It was] such a wonderful opportunity to engage with our political leaders and their fantastic staff ... [and] Kmart and their fantastic team,” he said. The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia’s largest and longest-running gift collection drive, raising over $5.6 million in funding and providing 10 million gifts to those in need at Christmas. In 2023, Kmart aims to raise over half a million dollars for the appeal and collect 300,000 gifts to help those in need. The Prime Minister said the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal was a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas, bringing joy into the lives of others. “The enduring strength and remarkable success of this appeal has always spoken for the generosity of the Australian people. I’m sure that this year, Australians will once again dig deep to support families who are doing it tough at Christmas. “This should be a magical time of year for children, and by supporting the Wishing Tree Appeal, you can help keep Christmas special. “If you can spare it, please give generously, knowing the presents you leave under your nearest Wishing Tree will be treasured on Christmas morning by those most in need.” As part of the launch, a Wishing Tree was placed in Parliament House, a ritual used for the past 11 years. All Parliament House visitors, Parliamentarians and staff, can leave an unwrapped gift under the tree. Kmart Group Managing Director Ian Bailey said he was proud not only of the 50,000 team members around Australia who proactively support the gift drive each Christmas through Kmart stores nationally, but also of the millions of Australians who visit Kmart stores at Christmas to drop off a gift. “As a large retailer, we want to make sure we’re actively giving back to communities in which we operate, and particularly the most vulnerable groups within our community. Through our partnership with The Salvation Army, this appeal has been able to help more Australian families have the Christmas they deserve. Bringing joy to our customers is what Kmart is about, and we are proud to partner with The Salvation Army to achieve that.” The Wishing Tree Appeal will run until Sunday 24 December. For more information, click here Some information in this article courtesy of Mirage News

BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Christmas is a time of anticipation. As soon as shopping centres and department stores roll out festive displays, children begin quivering with excitement at the thought of gifts to unwrap. Family WhatsApp chats fill with food ideas and discussions of logistics. Who has the best air-conditioning or pool to best host? Who will fly or drive in swarming heat this year? And in my opinion, what is perhaps the most important question of all – who is in charge of the ham? For Christians, we look forward to the candles and the nativity displays that remind us of Jesus, who entered a world of pain and risk as a vulnerable child to bring ultimate restoration. Joy-stealers However, events with great anticipation surrounding them are not always joyful. How do you feel when treatment options are running out and you suspect this Christmas may be your last? What about when the bank account is running low, and you feel a need to retreat from your excited children to grieve what you could have given them if circumstances were different? One pain I know all too well is the gaps at the table left by family dysfunction. When each year, you eat extravagant food with a lump in your throat, wishing things were different. Christmas is a reminder that not every wound can be healed with a sprig of mistletoe, and not every heart can be warmed with a particularly good eggnog. Sometimes, Christmas just hurts. “I wonder sometimes if our hurting souls spent more time at Christmas thinking on the circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the struggles of his mother, we might feel less alone in our own pain.” As anyone who has been pregnant will know, anticipating the birth of a child is not always happy either. Many parents harbour fears – about their child’s wellbeing, about their capacity to care for an infant, about the state of the world or the community into which they are bringing their child. For Mary, mother of Jesus, her fears may have been difficult to fully quantify. She was a young teenager, bearing a child with a man who was not the biological father. The government was unsafe, to say the least. In the end, she didn’t have a soft bed to birth in, or a warm inflatable pool to soothe her labour pains. Medical attention was not sophisticated or even readily available in a stable in Bethlehem. It was likely her, Joseph and some noisy animals. Talk about the makings of a traumatic birth story! Deep hope And yet, in her moment of deep need, she managed to birth the greatest source of hope the world has ever known. God’s plan is somehow providential, mysterious and confusing at the same time. I wonder sometimes if our hurting souls spent more time at Christmas thinking on the circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the struggles of his mother, we might feel less alone in our own pain. I love The Message Bible translation of Romans chapter 8, verses 22-25, which describes how, as we anticipate Jesus’ restoration of his creation, we feel pains like Mary did: “All around us, we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. This Christmas, I pray you can reflect on the God who sees, and the God who grieves alongside you. The God who is deeper than twinkling fairy lights, carols and perfectly wrapped gifts. The God of grit and grain, of manure and hope.

By LAUREN MARTIN With great excitement, Engadine Salvos Stores, in Sydney’s south, marked its first birthday recently, with Salvos from the store and the local corps coming together to celebrate and bless the local community. There was a buzz throughout the store that spilled out onto the street, with a Salvos coffee cart serving free coffee, kids being gifted lolly bags in-store and free doughnuts thanks to a generous donation from Woolworths in nearby Menai. The store in the heart of Engadine’s main street has been a popular shopping and community hub since it opened in 2022. Many shoppers are regulars and are known by volunteers, staff and Engadine Salvos Stores’ very own Salvation Army Mission Leader. Chez Wilson is a qualified caseworker who operates out of the Engadine Salvos Store to assist people in the community. Her role is to fulfil The Salvation Army’s four mission pillars – building healthy communities, working for justice, caring for people, and creating faith pathways. Over this past year, she has built relationships with volunteers, staff and customers at the store and in the local community with other not-for-profit organisations, local churches and businesses. “I see myself as a link between what The Salvation Army can offer as well as helping locals connect with other supports in the community. This could look like someone who is lonely coming in for a chat and a cup of coffee, someone who is in need of prayer, a new mum to the community looking for a playgroup or other women to connect with, or someone in addiction or escaping an abusive relationship, homeless or in need of financial assistance. “My role is to meet people where they are at, listen and respond to their need and connect them with the right help and supports either in the local community or in the wider LGA as appropriate.” Salvos Stores are integral to The Salvation Army’s work in Australia. They provide Australians with low-cost, quality second-hand clothing and household items and stop thousands of tonnes of unwanted goods from going to landfill. All profits from Salvos Stores go directly towards funding the mission work of The Salvation Army, such as assisting people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, poverty, and those rebuilding after natural disasters. They are also often the first point of contact that community members have with The Salvation Army. Mark Soper heads up The Salvation Army’s work across the Sutherland Shire in southern Sydney and says it makes sense to place a Mission Leader like Chez within a Salvos Store: “Our vision was to have a Salvation Army Mission Leader in every Salvation Army expression across the Sutherland Shire.” “We want people to know that wherever they see The Salvation Army red shield, they can find someone who can assist them with whatever hardship they may be facing. That assistance may be in the form of a referral to another Salvation Army or different partnering agency, it may be just that they need a listening ear and someone to support them, or we might be able to help them with food and other emergency assistance.” Salvation Army mission leaders are also situated at the Panania Salvos Store, Sutherland Salvos Store and Helensburgh Salvos Store. There is also a Mission Leader located at Shire Salvos Miranda and Shire Salvos Menai.

BY ANTHONY CASTLE After a decades-long journey, newly commissioned Lieutenant Leeanne Pattison can’t wait to begin her life as a Salvation Army officer. For the past two years, Leeanne has been a cadet with the Defenders of Justice session at Eva Burrows College and was commissioned on Friday 24 November at Adelaide City Salvos. She has been appointed to the Noarlunga Corps in Adelaide’s south and will take up her appointment in January 2024 as the Corps Officer. After working in ministry roles for many years, Leeanne became a candidate helper at City Salvos, then a cadet-in-appointment. “It was a process,” Leeanne says. “I was in my position at a corps for a couple of years, and I really felt that God wanted more of me. I considered a divisional role, and it didn’t feel right. I had struggled with this feeling for a while and talked with people about it. I was wrestling with something inside. I originally felt called [to officership] 20 years ago. There was a hurdle at the time, and I just stood back. I still did ministry roles, but I put officership on the back-burner.” Leeanne was a Children’s and Youth Assistant at Parafield Gardens Corps in Adelaide for five years before becoming a candidate helper at City Salvos. The role of candidate helper prepares someone for training and officership by experiencing the work firsthand. “The role of candidate helper was to work alongside the officers,” explains Leeanne. “I was doing sermons already in that space, learning the ins and outs of corps ministry, then coming to my time as a cadet there. Being in a corps setting really helps, with officers there to teach me the ropes. Overall, it’s been a good experience, being able to learn more on the job and see things you may not necessarily see.” The cadet-in-appointment role involves remote study rather than living on-site at Eva Burrows College. The role has pioneered new forms of learning that have become more standard since COVID-19 restrictions. “I had a day of designated classes I attended online,” explains Leeanne. “Two days a week at the corps and two study days. We also flew over about three times a year for orientation and intensives. It worked for me. As a single mum, I really needed to stay in Adelaide. You’re not with your session mates or your lecturers as much, but I still got to know my session well. You find different ways of connecting.” Growing up as the child of Salvation Army officers, Leeanne first considered officership decades earlier. While feeling called to ministry, Leeanne wasn’t initially sure if officership was the right path for her. “I had been through a really rough time, and I thought I was hearing wrong,” Leeanne says. “I thought, ‘I’m a mess, I can’t be an officer.’ I was at a real low point. I just pushed that aside and ended up studying community service, and then that led to my ministry roles. There’s been callings on the way, though, and I eventually got there.” “I think it’s important to follow God’s lead,” continues Leeanne. “I think it’s been about stepping into the unknown, even the challenges I know are going to happen. There’s strength in that. I think I will see – both in ministry positions but also personally – that God can use me. That’s the important thing, listening to God and stepping forward.”

BY CHLOE RICE The National Year of Prayer campaign launched on 29 October, giving Salvos across Australia the space to gather in prayer and connection. The aim behind this time is to focus prayer around the four seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter. Art has incredible power to express what we sometimes struggle to fully explain through words. As it is often said, one picture paints a thousand words, which is the case when we meet the artist behind the Year of Prayer designs, Laura Welsh, who depicts the different seasons in life’s journey. For 20 years, Laura has made an incredible mark on the art world through her journey of creativity, resilience and faith. From exhibitions to community involvement, Laura’s story is a testament to the transformative power of art. A life painted with seasons Laura’s journey as an artist reflects the various seasons in her life. She explains, “It’s funny I was asked to do this; I’ve been thinking about seasons quite a lot lately, just the different seasons in our lives.’” Her inspiration for the art is derived from the various seasons, not just in a literal sense but also in terms of her personal growth and life experiences. In her own words, Laura shares how art has been her constant companion throughout the different chapters of her life. “Art has helped me in these different seasons. I do not always know how I feel, but art has helped me to do that. It has helped me explain and understand my emotions.” Laura’s identity extends beyond her artistic endeavours. As a person with a disability, she is often seen for her wheelchair, but she aspires to be known for her art, her faith and her role as a child of God. “The wheelchair is just part of me ... it’s not a bad thing; it helps me get around, but it’s not what defines me.” A beautiful inspiration Growing up in Leongatha, a small town in Victoria’s Gippsland, Laura found her muse in the beauty of her hometown. From an early age, she was encouraged to explore her artistic talents, especially by having her stepdad as an art teacher at her school. Laura’s journey into the world of art was nurtured by both her family and her surroundings. Laura’s faith has played a significant role in her life. Growing up in the Church, Laura one day decided to try something different and ventured to The Salvation Army. In recent years, she has become more involved in the mission by becoming a soldier and taking on administrative work at Leongatha Doorways (an emergency relief and financial counselling service). “I have been given a lot of different opportunities that if I were an able-bodied person I wouldn’t have had.” Meeting different people through the various aspects of work, Laura shares her belief in the importance of being authentic and transparent with those around us, not always trying to paint a perfect picture, and sometimes needing to be honest about how you are feeling, especially during the different challenging times in life. Overcoming challenges Some of these challenges have included many surgeries and the ongoing battle with her health. “Put this way, I wasn’t meant to live very long; the nurses told my parents that I would not survive the first 48 hours. I’ve had 25 surgeries so far. It gets harder as you get older. It’s not something I thought I’d still be doing.” “I remember when I was 18, on the day of another surgery, I said, ‘Mum, no more,’ and she replied, ‘Laura, you know there will be more.’” Twenty-one years later, Laura is still undergoing surgery. During the operations, Laura sometimes questioned God but remained faithful to his goodness. “During a particular season, I grappled with my mental health to the point of stopping attending church.” Laura explained that she didn’t place blame on God but couldn’t help but ask him why. “Why was I struggling like this? Why wasn’t he fixing me? The idea of healing has always been a big question in my life as I’ve witnessed others being healed from different things.” Laura continued, “Yet I feel healed in my own way because I’ve learned to accept my situation. I might not have the same things as my sisters, like children or the ability to drive, but I’ve come to appreciate my life just the way it is. “I wouldn’t have learned what I have if I wasn’t sitting down ... he knows everything about us anyway.” A true testament to the faith she holds to navigate these hardships, a reminder to herself that God still and has always had a purpose for her life. In times of mental and physical struggle, Laura reflected that her family, including her mum, stepdad, brothers, and sisters with their children, provided a profound source of motivation. She cherishes the thought of seeing her loved ones grow and thrive. “I look at my nieces and nephews and think I really want to see them grow up; that’s really important to me, and I plan to be around for that.” Laura continued, “If that’s not God’s will, that’s okay; he’s given me a lot throughout my life. I have been given a lot of different opportunities that if I were an able-bodied person I wouldn’t have had.” Inspired by nature The beauty of nature, including landscapes like rain, the sky, mountains and flowers, significantly inspires Laura’s artwork. She finds it awe-inspiring how the world’s different tones of colour are created in natural scenery. Laura’s art often reflects the wonders of the world around her. Laura’s life has taught her the importance of perspective and gratitude. She appreciates the gift of sight and the ability to witness the world’s beauty. Laura’s story inspires us all, reminding us that through faith, we can navigate the seasons of life with grace and purpose. This reflects the heart and motivation behind The Salvation Army’s Year of Prayer. Join us in being a part of this time where we can experience #salvosprayingtogether. To find out all you need to know about our Year of Prayer, just click on the following links or copy and paste them into your browser: My Salvos - https://my.salvos.org.au/a-year-of-prayer/ Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/tsayearofprayer?mibextid=LQQJ4d Or contact Aux-Lieutenant Rosy Keane at rosy.keane@salvationarmy.org.au

The Melbourne Project 614 free cookbook, Meals to make ends meet, has been successful at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. The cookbook, compiled by Project 614 Hospitality Coordinator Adam Thomson, won the major award in the ‘Fundraising – Charity’ category for the Pacific region. “I’m super excited for our humble little book to officially be given the title ‘Best in the World’ at the Gourmand awards in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this week!” Adam said. “Massive thanks to Pressroom Partners and the entire team at Salvos 614. What a great result for the small army that helped get this book together.” More than 200 countries take part in the annual awards. Meals to make ends meet, launched in March, focuses on recipes based on everyday kitchen supplies but with additional tips to make the food budget go further. It includes suggestions on creating many variants from one basic recipe, basic chopping techniques, growing your own herbs, substituting ingredients if you don’t have something available, and minimising food waste. “It’s really encouraging to know that something we put together to help with a local issue here in Melbourne has initially been so well received on a national level and now has even impacted people on an international level,” Adam said. “We’re really proud of the book and what it stands for and are elated. “I’ve been a chef for over 20 years now, and the book is a small collection of tried and tested recipes I’ve collected along the way ... a great deal of which we serve from our café here at Project 614 in the Melbourne CBD. “I think the cookbook was very timely in regard to the economic climate that we’re currently living in, and as a result, a lot of people are feeling the pinch due to the rising cost of living in all areas.” The initial press run of 50,000 has now been distributed to Salvation Army centres around Australia, but a digital copy of the cookbook can be downloaded by clicking here

For most people, experiencing homelessness is something they will never face. The heartache of losing a home, the stress of the unknown, the feeling of being unsafe, the overwhelming confusion of accessing so many different services and the trauma of re-telling your story to different workers. These are just some of the many and varied experiences. LAUREN MARTIN reports The Salvation Army is one of the largest homelessness service providers in Australia. In years gone by, homelessness services would be located within what was then referred to as a ‘homelessness shelter’, or, if no crisis accommodation was available, in an office somewhere separate from corps and other services. But things are changing. In the NSW Hunter Valley, Salvation Army homelessness support workers can be found at corps, centres and even Employment Plus offices. And the collaboration is enabling more people in crisis to get the support they need – where they’re at and when they need it. Barrier to employment April Raw is the manager of the largest Employment Plus office in the country. Situated in Charlestown, Newcastle, she employs 14 staff members, including a caseworker and two part-time psychologists, to assist participants primarily struggling with long-term unemployment. When the number of people presenting to their office with homelessness as a major barrier to employment started rising dramatically earlier this year, April knew they needed help. “We specialise in employment, but we can’t consider that if people don’t have a stable shelter,” she said. “It’s not our responsibility to fix that problem, but it is our responsibility to refer them to other resources and support, but we were lacking in knowledge.” So, April reached out to Philippa Lewis, team leader of The Salvation Army’s homelessness services in the area. She was able to visit the site, chat with workers about what assistance is available and supply the service with backpack sleeping bags and toiletry items to provide for Employment Plus participants who are experiencing homelessness. Then she asked if it would be helpful if a Salvation Army homelessness caseworker were on-site at Employment Plus one day a week. It was a game-changer. Tracy Iles started working a half day every Wednesday, then quickly realised it wasn’t enough. Now, she’s stationed at Charlestown Employment Plus every Friday for a full day. E-Plus workers make appointments with participants experiencing homelessness on those days. Tracy has been instrumental in assisting them in getting access to emergency accommodation, advocating on their behalf with housing, and ensuring they have essentials like food, toiletries, and medications while transitioning. “We couldn’t live without her now!” April raves about Tracy. “She is super supportive and goes above and beyond.” She says working alongside a Salvation Army social mission expression on-site at Employment Plus has been hugely beneficial for both the staff and participants and would love to see more partnerships occur with corps or social mission to benefit the people that E-Plus walks alongside. Caseworkers make a home in every Salvation Army expression It’s that kind of partnership that the homelessness services team in the Hunter is forging across multiple Salvation Army services and faith expressions. Team Leader Philippa Lewis says team members can be found on various days at Newcastle, Raymond Terrace, Eastlakes and Cessnock Corps. “It’s so good that people in need can go to the corps because they know that it’s a safe place to go. There’s a sense of community and a sense of belonging – a space where they are not going to be judged. “And then a corps officer or a volunteer might say to them: ‘Do you want to have a chat with our homelessness case manager?’ and they think, ‘I’m safe here, so I can talk about my life.’ So, it works really well being co-located.” Eastlakes Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Terri Muendel couldn’t agree more. “We’ve had homeless people sleeping in our corps backyard and in the carpark,” she says. “For so long, we desperately wanted to employ a homeless support person on staff, and then one day, the National homelessness team approached us and asked if we could house one of their workers in our centre for one day a week. “It was an answer to prayer!” Eastlakes Corps runs a café on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with a food pantry on Tuesdays and showers, washing machines and tea and coffee facilities available to people in need. “We have a number of people who are living in their cars, and they come here and do their washing and have a cuppa,” says Terri. “It’s so great to have a homelessness support worker to refer them to so that they can get the specialist support they need, whilst our corps staff and volunteers support them with kindness, food, a listening ear and invitations to the different programs that we offer.” One problem remains … Despite the great collaboration, the most glaring problem remains when it comes to homelessness on the Central Coast and Hunter regions of NSW – a severe shortage of housing. “People think that if they see a homelessness support worker, we will be able to get them a home,” says Philippa. “Believe me, I would love to. If I could, I would, for every single person. But it’s just so hard.” One gentleman she saw recently had been living in a tent for the past 12 months. However, despite the difficulties, the team perseveres. The Salvation Army is a faith-based organisation, and the Bible does say that God can move mountains. “Our team moves heaven and high earth to try and find a pathway out,” she says of the homelessness services team’s commitment to their ‘housing first’ approach to case management. “It doesn’t matter what a person’s barriers are – drug or alcohol issues, mental health issues, escaping domestic violence or coming out of prison, it doesn’t matter what their barrier is, we will house them, and then we look at everything else,” says Philippa. Because if a person hasn’t got a home, it’s very difficult for them to think, plan and act. So, the emphasis on ‘housing first’ is a priority. At Oasis Youth Services on the Central Coast, a homelessness case manager was recently able to assist two older teens who were experiencing domestic violence. “We put them into transitional housing, and whilst they work with Oasis case managers, we manage their housing. “One of them is now back at school, and the other has a licence and an apprenticeship, and they keep their home immaculate. It’s been such a great collaboration with the youth workers at Oasis.” There is always hope for housing, and The Salvation Army’s homelessness services team on the Central Coast/Hunter never gives up.