North Bay’s Salvation Army moves to a new location, sees client numbers jump

In the last 130 years, the Salvation Army in North Bay has had to evolve to meet the times and its changing clientele.

In the last 130 years, the Salvation Army in North Bay has evolved to meet the times and its changing clientele.

Staff and volunteers moved from its location on McIntyre Street to Main Street -- and into a new and larger location to better meet accessibility needs.

The charity said this week that the number of people it serves growing.

“How do we help individuals break cycles of poverty? How do we transform people’s lives and how do we create a safe space (where) everyone is welcome,” said Maj. Stephanie Watkinson, the Salvation Army Core Officer.

Last year, more than 9,700 individuals, families and children were served by the Salvation Army North Bay.

In total, 4,100 people received help with food and basic necessities and close to 5,300 school lunches were packed and delivered.

Fifty people received housing support, 252 Christmas hampers were distributed with 299 individuals received help. And 39 people participated in the charity’s ‘Beyond Basic Needs’ workshops and 11 children were sent to summer camp.

“Our family services worker does a lot more of the programs to help give people tools,” Watkinson said.

“The more tools that we have, the more that we can handle whatever life throws at us.”

The Salvation Army’s new home at the West Ferris overpass boasts plenty of space to offer workshops and family activities that fill its monthly calendar.

It also includes a food bank and a new thrift store where proceeds go right back towards its programs.

“We give people the skills and the toolset to help sustain themselves,” said ministry worker Megan Kratky.

“We’ve started doing monthly financial literacy programs to teach and educate individuals about their own budgets and different things like that, as well as a monthly cooking class.”

Kratky said they deal with people facing a range of challenges and they aim to “be a safe and supportive space for them.”

The Salvation Army continues to accept donations of clothes, everyday household items and small appliances.

The charity also launched a new program called ‘The Pathway to Hope,’ which looks at a person’s challenges on an individual basis.

“Other programs we’ve done include haircuts, dental cleaning, all those practical things that people need access to,” Watkinson added.

Donations are accepted Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.