THE Salvation Army in Jersey has announced it will be launching a new housing project to support families facing homelessness and replacing its food bank with a community store to provide “shopping with dignity” for struggling Islanders.
Both projects are due to be officially opened by the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd, and a senior leader of the Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Kingscott, on 18 October.
The housing initiative, called May Cottages, comprises a two-bedroom cottage, a one-bedroom home and a two-bedroom duplex located behind the Salvation Army’s 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.
Additionally, the charity will be launching The Pantry Store, which will sell subsidised items to Islanders identified as being in need of extra support.
Captain Richard Nunn, the co-leader of the Salvation Army in Jersey alongside his wife, Captain Alice Nunn, said it was “an exciting time” for the charity.
“The opening of May Cottages and The Pantry Store is the culmination of a vision that the Salvation Army church congregation here in Jersey had more than a decade ago to ensure that our buildings are used to the glory of God, and in a way that creates and supports community, especially for those who might be struggling financially and in other ways,” he said.
Commenting on the May Cottages project, Mrs Nunn said: “We know Jersey’s housing system is under increasing pressure, especially in this economic climate, and often families with young children are among those worst affected.
“We know of families who find themselves in insecure and inappropriate accommodation and although our three homes won’t solve Jersey’s housing crisis, it will go some way to helping those who need our support and care.”
She explained that the homes will be for families or households of differing sizes, primarily with children, and will be available through a referral system involving the Salvation Army and other relevant agencies.
She added: “Although these won’t be long-term homes, during the time they are with us we will provide holistic care and support, as well as advocating for the families to ensure they eventually may move into more suitable and permanent homes where they will be able to thrive.
“It will be what we call ‘supported housing’ with a specialist member of staff on hand to give that much-needed support.”
Commenting on The Pantry Store, Mr Nunn said: “For some time now we’ve been hoping to move away from the food bank model here at the Salvation Army because the Island is already served by two alternative excellent food banks – run by our friends at the St Vincent de Paul food bank based at Caritas at St Thomas’ Church, and at the food bank run by the Grace Trust.”
He added: “Our Pantry Store, which is based in a unit at the end of our suite of buildings just next door to our church entrance, will offer what we call ‘shopping with dignity, providing choice and hope’.
“Unlike receiving a bag of food from the food bank, which includes just basic items to help people get through a crisis moment, in The Pantry Store people will be able to choose what they need from stocked shelves with far more variety.
“Being able to do your own shopping will help with people’s self-worth and will also serve as a good example of self-reliance to the children in the family.”
