By: Hope Johnson
The Salvation Army Towers of Hope aims to provide help to those in need, those hurting, or those that have no hope, and to walk alongside these participants while providing council, services, shelter, and meals. Its mission is to preach the Gospel and to provide human needs in His name, and without discrimination. With the law that passed late last year where it became illegal to sleep on the street and in public places, the homeless were given three options: a bus ticket to another city, help getting in contact with a family member, or they were brought to a salvation army shelter.
The Salvation Army has donors, friends, and partners that work with them to give support financially, psychically, and emotionally. The Salvation Army seeks to provide the basic services needed- shelter, food, and the drive to survive. It allows participants to have the ability to stay as long as needed – whether it be two to three months, or ten to twelve.
Dr. Torres, the Social Services Director, never fails to realize that participants don’t come without a need, and her priority is hearing what happened to build the best, tailored plan from there. She believes that the mission of the Salvation Army is to make the process as quick as it can be. She recognizes that it requires great case management and a participant willing to do the work. Jose Luis Munoz, a participant at the Salvation Army, is a prime example of a success through the Towers of Hope shelter.
He came in almost a year ago after having to leave his friend’s house due to them needing room to take care of a loved one dealing with cancer. He heard about this shelter and decided to seek the help and services they offered. Immediately, he was given a place to live, food, and someone to start working on getting him back on his feet. Now, he is searching for a place to live in Tampa, about to leave the program with money from a job he acquired through their help, and the knowledge of what it felt like to been seen and understood in one of the toughest seasons of his life. Torres concluded with acknowledging her biggest strength and help came from God, who is the real backbone of all they do at the Salvation Army, knowing that they are not doing this alone, and working hard to serve every person that comes through that door.