In times of need

It’s often said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of “presence” – of being there in times of need. In 2010, The Salvation Army’s Envoy Joy Wilson (pictured right at the opening of Hope House) realised there was a huge need to have a permanent presence in a public-housing area of Gunnedah. Hoping to provide a positive presence in the neighbourhood by offering a variety of services and programs, Joy approached Homes North to see if they would consider the proposal, and the housing provider agreed. There was one house available in the area which had been significantly damaged, but Homes North offered the property to the Salvos at just over one dollar a year rent, and so they seized the opportunity and started up Hope House. Since then, Hope House has been a haven for so many people, offering services such as The Salvation Army’s Positive Lifestyle Program, drug and alcohol counselling, living skills programs and a playgroup.