In times of need

It’s often said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of “presence” – of  being there in times of need.

During the economic depression of the late 20s and early 30s, Cairns Salvation Army was there to help in the fight against unemployment and poverty. It, along with all other Salvation Army centres in Queensland, operated morning and afternoon soup kitchens for the duration of the depression.

In 1950, Cairns Salvation Army opened a guest house, called “The People’s Palace” in Sheridan Street. It was part of a network of People’s Palaces run by The Salvation Army across the country to provide low-cost accommodation for travellers and weekly boarding for low-paid workers.

 In 1977, The Salvation Army in Cairns commenced a soup kitchen to feed the homeless in the city. In 1982, the Army’s Centennial Lodge, a homelessness service, was opened. It is still operational today, providing crisis accommodation and long-term case management for homeless men, women and families.