Toronto, ON May 5, 2009 – The Salvation Army has released a report with findings from a national study on homelessness in Canada. The report – “Poverty Shouldn’t be a Life Sentence” – is based on information from surveys of hundreds of homeless men living in Salvation Army shelter care between 2007-2008 and finds that factors such as employment, income, healthcare and housing continue to adversely affect the marginalized throughout Canada.

These findings show that nearly 30 percent of homeless men are employed and nearly two-thirds receive money from some source of welfare or a job, yet many still find themselves within the shelter care system. The findings conclude that a national housing strategy, which includes social services, like job training, health care and counseling, must be prioritized by federal officials in order to end the cycle of poverty.

“Our study found that there’s an immediate demand for affordable housing,” said Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda “But, housing by itself, will not solve homelessness. It’s only through a strong foundation of social supports that homeless individuals can begin to transition out of poverty and into permanent housing.”

The report – “Poverty Shouldn’t be a Life Sentence” – is the cornerstone of The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Campaign, which officially begins today. Throughout the month of May, the campaign will raise funds to support Salvation Army programs – particularly the more than 3.5 million people currently living in poverty. To spread public awareness, The Salvation Army has released a debut documentary, “One Day of Hope,” on its Web site: www.SalvationArmy.ca. The film, which was directed by Hubert Davis from Untitled Films, gives a day-in-the-life look at the people and places that make up The Salvation Army’s shelter services. In addition to the featured film, The Salvation Army’s national advertising campaign, which spotlights the issue of poverty in Canada under the tagline – “Poverty shouldn’t be a life sentence” will be running during the month of May.

“This year’s Red Shield Campaign is unique because it provides troubling statistics and data about individuals living in extreme poverty,” said Commissioner Francis. “But there’s still hope. The Salvation Army is confident that people will hear our message and join our mission to support Canada’s poor and homeless.”

The Red Shield Campaign is an annual event that has been a May tradition for 90 years. Money raised during the campaign directly supports those living in poverty throughout Canada through Salvation Army programs like shelter care, substance abuse counseling and employment training services.

This year’s goal is to raise $3 million by May 31st. Donors can contribute to The Salvation Army by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by making an online contribution at HYPERLINK “http://www.SalvationArmy.ca” www.SalvationArmy.ca.

The report, “Poverty shouldn’t be a life sentence” is available online at SalvationArmy.ca.

You can view The Salvation Army’s documentary, “One Day of Hope,” by visiting The Salvation Army’s website: http://www.salvationarmy.ca

About The Red Shield Campaign:

The Red Shield fundraising Campaign is an annual fundraising and public awareness campaign held annually in May. The Salvation Army utilizes online, phone, direct mail and door-to-door appeals to solicit donations from generous Canadians. Giving to The Salvation Army offers an opportunity to invest in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community. 88 cents of every dollar raised by The Salvation Army goes directly to support those in need.

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and 118 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca.

Media Contact:
Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org