‘I didn’t know where to go’: Salvation Army users react to sudden transition after fire

A look of sadness washes over Harvey McAdam’s tired face as he talks about the Salvation Army and how it represented a safe place for him to warm up and get a meal.

The man from Big River was one of dozens of people gathered on Monday at the Prince Albert Urban Services Centre – all displaced by the fire on Christmas Day. He admitted to paNOW he felt worried.

Read more: 

• Prince Albert Salvation Army volunteer ‘heartbroken’ about Christmas Day fire
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• Fire crews continue fighting downtown blaze in Prince Albert

“I was because I didn’t know where to go,” he said.

The building, which included a special wall of fame of past and current clients, was a total loss.

“It was sad, I almost cried,” commented Jennine from Mistawis First Nation. “It helped out a lot of people that are in need.”

Blair has been in Prince Albert about three years and went to the Salvation Army for a shower, and change of clothes. He said he appreciates how fast Prince Albert Grand Council opened up the temporary location.

“I wasn’t really worried because I know the community always comes together to help in situations like this,” he said.

The Salvation Army building was literally gutted by the fire. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Until Jan. 2, the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) Urban Services Centre will act as a temporary warm up shelter from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. There’s also meals being provided between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Volunteer Co-ordinator Kim Jonathan estimated they’ve had about 100 people come in each day for lunch, and about 85 to 90 people staying for the night.

She acknowledged there was a definite feeling of apprehension.

“The clients were unsure about us, because this is so new. It’s not what they’re used to and so that first night was somewhat chaotic,” she explained. “Everyone was just kind of trying to get to know each other and what the space was gonna be.”

Jonathan explained in order to maintain routine, they did their best to do what Maj. Ed Dean and his team were doing at the Salvation Army in terms of scheduling times for meals and snacks.

“Many people had ideas on what we should do, could do, but we needed to be client-centered, client- focused.”

The interview takes a brief pause as a woman politely asks if she can get a second helping. Jonathan said seeing the smiles and looks of gratitude on the peoples’ faces is the best reward she can receive and noted the immediacy of having a place for the people to go.

“One death is way too much. One frostbite on any of the toes or fingers or nose, that was too much for a person to have to endure. 
So we knew that we wanted to provide this safe, warming space immediately and everybody just came together. So we’re so thankful for that,” she said.

On Monday, the Salvation Army re-issued a call for volunteers and donations. Jonathan said in the days following the fire, businesses and the community at large have been very generous with their time, and with donations of food for the meals.

When asked if there are any specific items they need, Jonathan mentioned mitts and hand warmers; as well as toques, jackets, blankets, first aid kits and and boots (women sizes 8, 9 and men 9 to 11).

Following last week’s fire, donations have been pouring in for the Salvation Army and its users but much more is still needed. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

How you can donate

• Online: Visit SalvationArmy.ca → choose “Donate to a specific location” → select Prince Albert
• QR Code: Available on The Salvation Army Prince Albert’s Facebook page
• By phone: Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) and request Prince Albert Community Services

All contributions will support emergency facility leasing, rebuild costs, and program continuity for services including daily meals, warming supports, and essential community care.

What’s next?

According to Mayor Bill Powalinsky, the union centre, located a few blocks away from the PAGC Urban Services Centre, has been secured as a temporary location for the Salvation Army’s warming shelter.

Powalinsky said the Prince Albert Labour Council has offered the building for the duration of winter. The goal is to be open by Friday when the Prince Albert Grand Council is set to wind down its services.

“They’re lining up a walk through with the Salvation Army to determine what the additional asks and needs are going to be,” he said.

“In the past, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, has offered the use of ATCO trailers set up with washrooms and showers because that’s one thing the union centre doesn’t have. It’s going to be an amazing thing by Jan. 2 will have effective a total pivot.”