THE Salvation Army has formally launched its new community store to provide shopping with “dignity and respect” for struggling Islanders – as well as a housing project to help families facing homelessness.
The charity has completed construction of The Pantry Store, which will sell subsidised items to Islanders identified as being in need of extra support.
It has also developed a housing initiative, called May Cottages, comprising a two-bedroom cottage, a one-bedroom home and a two-bedroom duplex located behind its main building in Minden Street.
The new accommodation is intended to provide supported housing to families who are, or are at risk of becoming, homeless.
An opening ceremony was held on Friday afternoon to mark the official launch of both projects, with May Cottages anticipated to begin welcoming families from the start of 2025.
Opening hours for The Pantry Store will be announced once additional staff are in place.
Dr Karen Kyd, wife of the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd, was among those who attended the launch event on Friday.
She said: “This is a project with true passion – that’s how it’s been built and developed and you can see that here today.
“It is really going to help people who are in need here in Jersey.”
Salvation Army officer Alice Nunn added: “The building work has finished and the projects will be opening soon.
“We’re just so thankful that it’s actually got to this stage – in the early days it felt like ‘gosh are we ever going to get here’.
“It’s amazing to be here, amazing that we can change the way we do our foodbank, that we can give people dignity and respect and – with May Cottages – just an awesome privilege to be able to offer supported accommodation to families and be able to do that in a way with love and care and holistic support.”
One of the senior leaders of the Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Kingscott, said the projects would provide the charity with “the ability to serve the local community in a much wider way”.
“We are delighted that it’s come [to fruition] and we are delighted that the local community has supported it in such a great way.”
Major Mike Lloyd-Jones, commander of the Salvation Army’s central, southern and Channel Islands division, said: “Today is a highlight moment, where we celebrate the journey that has brought us to this stage.
“The Salvation Army, in a number of expressions, has various projects where the aim and the intent is that at the end they [the service users] no longer need the support that we offer…because people are able to stand firm and live whole lives.”
