The Salvation Army to Close Hope Shelter on April 15th after 40 Years of Dedicated Service

Residents will be given alternative accommodation as discussions continue regarding a new location

TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2015 /CNW/ - After 40 years of dedicated service to homeless men in Toronto, The Salvation Army Hope Shelter on 167 College Street will close its doors on April 15, 2015 as the building lease will have concluded. The Salvation Army is working in close partnership with the City of Toronto to secure alternative solutions including the possibility of a new location and ongoing discussions continue to be promising. 

The well-being of its residents and clients is always the first concern of the organization and The Salvation Army will continue to provide support for those in its care. In consultation with the City of Toronto, Case managers at Hope Shelter are developing an exit strategy for each resident currently at the facility to ensure a smooth transition over the next two months. Residents are to be moved into permanent, transitional and other shelter accommodations within the City of Toronto.

The closure of Hope Shelter will impact 37 employees as they are given notice of the shelter's closing and their employment will end effective April 2015.

"Although The Salvation Army has had to make the difficult decision to close Hope Shelter, I want to assure you that we remain committed and dedicated to serving the citizens of Toronto through our many programs and services each and every day," said Andrew Burditt, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. "We are extremely grateful to those that support the crucial work of the Army and we are confident that we can continue to count on that generosity."

About Hope Shelter:
Hope Shelter is a 124-bed facility providing beds and meals, supportive counselling, housing placement and follow up, medical and refugee support services and referrals to employment and rehabilitation agencies for homeless men between the ages of 18-70. 

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and 126 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.

SOURCE The Salvation Army - Ontario Central Division

on The Salvation Army, please contact: Andrew Burditt, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development, 416-845-8231, [email protected], www.twitter.com/tsatoronto, www.facebook.com/tsatoronto