The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty falls on Oct. 17, 2006. The theme of the Day this year is “Working Together out of Poverty”.

The measure of any society is how well it cares for its weakest citizens. The Salvation Army remains committed to its historic mission to care for the poor and marginalized. Therefore, individually and corporately, we work to eliminate poverty by:

· Providing empowering practical assistance to people who are poor—both in our personal, family and vocational lives and in our congregational and organizational practices—through prayer, listening and dedication of our time and resources.

· Making relational and financial choices that promote economic opportunity and justice for those in poverty.

· Evaluating public policies by how they respond to people who are poor.

· Challenging racism and other attitudes that promote inequality and seeking Challenging racism and other attitudes that promote inequality and seeking reconciliation among all groups in our society.

· Building community capacity, nurturing the bonds of family and community, and protecting the dignity of each person.

· Partnering with other denominations and agencies in common commitment and
action to overcome poverty in our own communities, our nation and our world.

Bermuda Housing Complex provides shelter and sustenance for needy In Bermuda, The Salvation Army Emergency Housing Complex on Marsh Lane in Pembroke opened in the mid ‘80s and has since provided shelter and sustenance for those in need.

The complex contains six units including one dwelling which houses up to 15 women and five units for up to 71 men.

One of the five male units includes a transition residence, which is often occupied by men who were previously in Harbour Light (The Salvation Army’s treatment centre for men with a substance addiction).

The housing shelters often accommodate people who are leaving institutions, hospitals or prison-safe houses until they can find permanent living arrangements.
Thirteen of the 71 beds in the men’s living quarters are reserved for people on a daily first-come, first-serve basis. The other beds are used on more of a long-term basis. Men will stay there for a few months and some have lived there for up to five years.

The staff and officers (ministers) of the housing complex endeavour to motivate the tenants to move along a continuum of care, to a state of independent productive living.