Hamilton Salvation Army shelter remains committed to service after relocation denial

The Salvation Army Booth Centre on York Boulevard remains focused on supporting its clients following the recent rejection of its proposed relocation.

The 120-bed emergency men’s shelter was at the centre of a very public battle over a possible move to another Hamilton neighbourhood. Members of the public voiced concerns regarding the number of people housed at the facility, as well as possible drug use outside.

The Salvation Army, with support from HUPEG, had planned to move the shelter to Gage Avenue North. However, a city committee rejected the application last week. According to the Salvation Army, the move was originally initiated by the city in an effort to revitalize the downtown core.

While open drug use has been reported just outside the current building along York Boulevard, Booth Centre officials state that the people who gather out front are not necessarily clients.

“They are looking for — to some extent — a safe place to be, a place that they can feel perhaps community with other individuals,” said James Moulton, executive director of the centre. “The Salvation Army is a known organization for supporting people and we do the best to meet people where their needs are.”

The Booth Centre has operated at its current location for more than 120 years, and the existing building is over 70 years old. While the Salvation Army is open to finding a new location or renovating the current building, officials say there is nothing currently in the works. Instead, the organization says its priority is helping its clients succeed.

WATCH MORE: City of Hamilton rejects Salvation Army shelter move to Gage Avenue North

The downtown facility provides emergency shelter alongside support services designed to help clients find permanent housing. These services include a bed, shower facilities, food, laundry and group meetings.

Moulton noted that the shelter serves individuals from all walks of life, education levels and backgrounds, including newcomers to Canada, the young and the old.

“We are just here to be that support and service when things are not going right in your life,” Moulton said.

Among those currently relying on the shelter is Shane, a 53-year-old man who recently became homeless after his home in Tillsonburg caught fire.

“I just stumbled onto it by accident and I needed a place to stay, because I was in a house fire and lost everything I own,” Shane said, noting he had been on the street for three weeks before arriving at the centre a week ago.

“Scary, very scary because I’ve always had a roof over my head, and a job and everything else too, and you wake up one morning and everything is completely gone,” he said. “Fifty-three years old and I have to start all over again.”

Shane described the facility as very helpful, noting they provide three meals a day, laundry services, counselling and housing search assistance.

When asked if he remains hopeful, Shane said, “One foot in front of the other, my journey continues.”

READ MORE: Residents concerned as downtown Hamilton Salvation Army plans move