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By Chris Brown

Salvation Army to close Centre of Hope Shelter, Mustard Seed taking over services

Mar 7, 2022 | 10:18 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Salvation Army will close its Centre of Hope Shelter in Medicine Hat at the end of the month so it can shift its focus and attention to other priorities within the community.

“Those priorities are our food bank and our soup kitchen as well as the traditional Christmas support that people have come to know and appreciate, the work of the Salvation Army for over the years,” says Maj. Jamie Locke, divisional secretary for public relations.

“And so while it’s a very difficult decision to make to transition out of overseeing the shelter operations in Medicine Hat, it’s one that we can make knowing that there’s another organization that is poised and ready to step in, and to continue to deliver those services without interruption to the community and to the population that we’re endeavouring to serve.”

The Centre of Hope is an emergency shelter located at 737 Eighth St. SE.

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The Mustard Seed will assume operations of the emergency shelter on April 1. Managing director Colette Eirich says it will be run by Mustard Seed shelter workers to provide a safe and supportive place where people can have their physical, mental and spiritual needs met and grow towards greater health and independence.

Eirich says The Mustard Seed will use its shelter model from Calgary and Red Deer

“One thing about Mustard Seed is we have been running shelters for many years and we come with a lot of experience and so we’re looking forward to this opportunity to operate the shelter here in Medicine Hat for our homeless and vulnerable population,” she says.

A transition plan and other details are being worked out says Eirich.

Meanwhile, Locke says The Salvation Army will remain active in Medicine Hat through the downtown Community Resource Centre, advocacy work and referrals.

“So that will remain a critical priority and a service we offer to the community, and so anybody who is looking for a hot meal and needs that support, it’s a great place to get connected to the salvation army and of course then through referral services to other organizations such as The Mustard Seed.