The work of the Salvation Army Homelessness services Unit

The Salvation Army is an international organisation meeting human need in a variety of ways depending on the environment. We have schools, clinics, facilities for those experiencing homelessness, employment agencies, training centres and a farm. In the UK the Salvation Army has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce homelessness and support homeless people since its early days in 1870s, as well as creating the first employment agency. We currently provide a range of services for people experiencing homelessness, including accommodation-based services for families, young people, single people and those fleeing domestic violence; support to those in their own home and day services.

Every day, 365 days a year, The Salvation Army provides practical help to thousands of people facing homelessness, poverty, isolation, addiction, domestic violence and social injustice. We achieve this through our national network of over 700 community centres, which provide an extensive weekly activity programme. Our services are diverse and open to people of all ages and are specifically tailored to meet a local communitys needs.

Whatever the cause from a landlord selling a property, losing a job, falling out with parents, financial problems, an addiction or there simply being nowhere affordable to live becoming homeless is a difficult experience and people are often dealing with more issues than just homelessness. We understand the place that we provide for someone to live in has a profound impact on the way they feel and their ability to plan for the future. Our services are places where people can experience a sense of belonging, with a supportive structure and activities and where people can experience positive engagement with other individuals and agencies. We ensure that there are opportunities to try new things and actively encourage engagement and purposeful activity. Our services offer a range of activities both social and therapeutic, life skills and employability programmes.

We recognise and respect the contribution of all people in the service in helping to create positive relationships - and contributing to the growth and wellbeing of others. People are able to challenge decisions and ask questions in our services and help us to develop new initiatives and activities. We want to make people feel welcome, safe and comfortable enough to talk to us. When they arrive, they are shown around, and things are explained to them clearly - and they are provided with written information about the service. People who are new to our services are allocated a designated keyworker and supported to get involved with activities and action planning as best suits their own goals.

We want everyone to have a voice in our services and recognise both the value and vulnerability of people. We offer support to people who feel too vulnerable to engage and provide a range of ways for people to communicate with us. When gathering feedback, we demonstrate a pro-active response with a genuine intent to make positive changes.

Rough sleepers often have a combination of complex needs need to be addressed including: alcohol or substance dependency, mental health, trauma, time spent in prison or care. At The Salvation Army, we understand its not enough just to house an entrenched rough sleeper. For someone who hasnt had a home for many months or in most cases, years, it will be a long journey to recover from the issues that have been created through their time of homelessness. We call our hostels Lifehouses they are more than a place to stay.