Salvation Army - Ottawa Booth Centre

Bureaucracy and loss of purpose incarnate. Half the staff are there just for the paycheque and get their jollies from flexing their power and kicking people out for minor things. They put on a good front but the my way or the highway mentality is alive and well here

I checked in on Monday 25th of Oct 2021 all documentation was made including endorsement of two paper work.Next day after I return from embassy one of the staff a lady said my name is not on the system again.It was like a dream, I thought maybe she was joiking not until she walked me out with two security that my name is completely not there that am lying. There is a big problem with the staff is either they don't document their jobs or they hate a certain client.

I have the honor of being a small part of the organization, and they truly do amazing work. I have seen people go from living on the streets to housed and employed because of the dedicated individuals here. We are lucky to have such a resource.

The rules for seeing clients seem to change with whoever is on staff. I've been in before without issue. Despite showing ID, I was given skill testing questions to prove who I was. I was made to feel small.

I'm only using the Food Bank there at this point, however the experience is always pleasant.

If you need relief after an emergency, take help from literally any other place. You do not want to deal with an awful man named Craig Dunbar who is the coordinator of Emergency Disaster Services at the Salvation Army. He is the worst person I have met in my life. He has a horrible temper and will make up terrible things about you for no reason. My guess is that he gets enjoyment out of putting people down. I barely interacted with the man (had one 10 minute meeting) and a few days later he acted as if I was his worst enemy, making stories up about me. I think he has major mental issues. Avoid even stepping foot in this place at all costs. The Salvation Army is FOR-PROFIT and in general does not care about the community.

Staff are very welcoming. Always at ready to help where it is needed.

It's extremely hard not to give this organization 5 stars. So here is the methodology behind my choice.1. This location is an old building. That has much need for upgrades and maintenance.2. Although this is true for the building the Salvation Army saves lives, feeds the hungry, beds the homeless, supplies the needy with necessities such as socks, hygiene, travel and peer support.3. I have personally been helped by this location. I have utilized their life saving services a few times throughout my hardships. I am grateful for all it has done for me and in my opinion it has complied with the vision of Alexander Booth as a missionary on the quest to approach the way Christ thought the church to act.Here comes the reason I have given a lower rating than it deserves in a whole.1. I noticed a decreased in accessible accommodations then before. There was a time when the front doors were never locked and no man, was left outside in the cold. Cots, mattress' or even just blankets were allowed in the lobby area after booking hours if all the beds were occupied. Not anymore!2. Staff has become judgemental, arrogant, pushy, rude, out of places and frankly I feel a little to comfortable. This notion comes from watching staff, play on their phones when it s not busy time with their feet up on the desk. I dont suppose this would be an appropriate behaviour for a paid , on shift staff in my organization. Simply note acceptable as there is always tasks for paid individual even if there is not.3. Security guards are not using their power in an appropriate manner. For I it seems as though they pick and choose, who, when, why and how the deal with a situation and/or individuals. At times the over step the line ad the approach of Christ is a non violent, non judgemental, patient and peaceful one. I have seen the security use un neccessary force and lay hands on the guests, throw their belongings in the garbage, not let them come in from the cold on personal decision making. I believe an organization such as this has to keep the key stone of it s values intact and should always retrospectively look if it is shifting from it's original values.Time for head office to do some reminding that Salvation are should never lose Christ as it's example.

Minimum security prison. Elementary attitudes. Better than the cold with no-where else to go.. though only by degree

I came too this place a lost boy I was in my late twenties but didn't no very much about the underlying causes of addictions. Within months and wanting to change I learned about myself a ton, great staff who carrying and very wise, much respect to the program. Too this day I don't have a bad thing too say about them. If you are young ,lived it kind of rough and truly want a change THIS IS THE ENVIRONMENT