DOWNTOWN HOMELESS SHELTER SHUTTING DOWN

Five weeks after the city took extraordinary steps to free up more bed space for the homeless, the Salvation Army has announced it’s shutting down one of its downtown hostels.

The non-profit organization revealed last week that it will be closing its 124-bed Hope Shelter on April 15. The facility at McCaul and College has been operating for 40 years, and provides beds, meals, counselling, medical help and housing supports to men between 18 and 70 years of age.

Resolving the strike at Ottawa's Salvation Army shelter

Several weeks ago we, as concerned Christians, met at a local church with some of the striking workers from the Salvation Army Booth Centre on George Street in Ottawa's Byward Market. The staff members spoke first and at length about the people they serve, some with serious mental health problems and those trying to conquer alcoholism or addictions, many of whom are homeless. It was clear to us that these workers, whether as a front-line counsellors or as support staff in the kitchen, must have both skill and dedication to do what they do. These workers have both.

Some of us went last week to visit the Booth Centre on George Street. On the picket line we met a front-line worker named Rob. His wife is looking after their two-month-old boy and he wonders what kind of future his family will have if they are forced to live on his current salary. Rob is making a little over $14 an hour and is aware that his counterpart at other shelters in the city are making $17 to $18 an hour. He also knows that, regardless of how long he works for the Salvation Army, there will be few if any incremental increases in his wages. A member of the kitchen staff and one of the cleaners both told us how the Centre's clients are like family. They also told us how difficult it is to clean up when someone has been sick or how risky it can be when there are needles lying around. Both staff members make $11.31 an hour.

Salvation Army workers strike in Ottawa

About 60 unionized Salvation Army workers went on strike in Ottawa on Friday, but the charitable organization has assured the homeless they will not be left in the cold.

The strike by members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada will not affect those who frequent the Booth Centre, a homeless shelter at 171 George Street that houses about 150 homeless men every night, according to Michael Maidment, a Salvation Army spokesman in Ottawa.

"We will stay open and we will do that with our existing staff and management team," Maidment said. "Of course, the safety and concern of those we serve is of paramount importance."

Homeless support workers on strike

Homeless men whom CBC News spoke with sided with the workers, who entered a strike position Dec. 20, and complimented the care they received at the centre.

"I don't blame them," said a man who only identified himself as George. "They should have equal parity with the Union Mission and the Shepherd's of Good Hope," he said. "They do exactly the same work just as well."

The PSAC is seeking a $5-an-hour wage hike, which they say would provide a salary similar to those paid workers at other local shelters.

The Salvation Army, which argues the difference is only $2-$4 an hour, said it is willing to go to binding arbitration to settle the dispute, but added the union has not formally responded to that request.

Original Article
Source: CBC