A new community space in Lincoln aims to help the outreach work which is done to help people experiencing homelessness and families with young children carried out by the city’s Salvation Army workers and volunteers.
The new building, on High Street, has a range of facilities that are free to use for anyone who needs them. They include two multi-purpose rooms, a living area, a fully furnished kitchen with washing machines, and a shower room.
Lieutenant Huw Dutfield, the minister of the church for many years, said: “We managed to raise all the money, around £227,000, in about six months.”
The money was raised through church fundraising, legacies and a number of donations from partners of the church like the Lincolnshire Co-operative, Branston Potatoes, and many generous individuals who wanted to help the cause.
Lt Dutfield said: “We are in a position where we have built a shower room, washing facilities, a new kitchen which are all available to be used by any homeless people if needed. We can also cook for them and they can get their clothes washed.
“But it is not just a homeless shelter – it is for anyone who may be feeling vulnerable and needs a place to go. We have even had teenagers who are not being treated right at homecoming to us just for a safe and warm place to go because they no other place to go.”
The church also wanted to offer a space for parents, guardians, and carers of young children to come and enjoy a range of activities with their children. The charity hopes that families will feel comfortable and welcome in the new space.
“The Salvation Army hopes that the facility will be used by people who need a safe and reliable environment because of situations that they cannot control. If people are not comfortable sharing why they need help they should feel obliged to tell us and should know that the support is always there if they ever need it desperately.”
Lincoln Salvation Army hopes space will be used by people who need a quiet place to go to talk to people about anything they may be worried about. It will help the charity to offer a quiet environment with more privacy.
Lt Dutfield added: “Every week we provide employment support, offer a space for togetherness for older people and reach out to those who may be sleeping rough. We’re available to people during those tough moments in their lives.
“But whether we’re offering a warm welcome into a church service or friendship or assistance with day-to-day necessities, we do all these things with a message of hope and transformation through God’s love.”
The building officially opened on February 29 and is also available to hire.
For anyone looking to donate, volunteer or get involved with programs at The Lincoln Salvation Army they can contact lincoln@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 01522 512709 or find Lincoln Corps Salvation Army on Facebook.
Sidebar: Facts about The Salvation Army
- The Salvation Army provides help and assistance to those who need it 365 days a year.
- The Salvation Army operates in over 100 different countries.
- Approximately 82% of all donations given to The Salvation Army is directly given to program funding to help people who need it the most.
- The Salvation Army operates many different facilities like shelters, thrift stores, orphanages, fundraisers, and a brass band.
- More than 3 million people volunteer for the charity nationwide each year.
- The Salvation Amy also operates a Missing Person Program, which has helped nearly 80,000 people last year.
- The Salvation Army was at the frontlines in WWI and WWII, by offering comfort and pastoral guidance during those hard times.
- The red shield used for The Salvation Army’s logo dates from 1896 and serves as the trademark for the Army’s social services.
- The Salvation Army was founded in London, England in 1865.
- The Salvation Army has been referenced in over 140 films.