Salvation Army Gives a Hand Up

More middle Georgians are turning to The Salvation Army for food and shelter.

“If another 10 people, 10 women or women and families came to the Salvation Army we would have to look at some emergency set up,” says Major David Cope.

According to Cope, there’s a new kind of homeless community. 

“We’re living in emergency times for low income workers, people who have traditionally worked but because there are no jobs these people are now having to come to the Salvation Army.” 

Latalia Nicholls has a similar story. She started off as an employee of The Salvation Army, until she found herself in a bind.

“I was going through a little hard time because I was strapped for cash and me and my significant other were struggling and I was living in a hotel.” 

Nicholls kept her job and also became a resident.

The Salvation Army also gave a second chance to Ericka West, a former drug addict. 

“This was the only rehab that was willing to take me,” says West.

She hopes to complete the rehab program in six months.

“It’s teaching me work ethics, having to get up early, and having to be somewhere at a certain time, and having to deal with authority and I’ve never had that.”   

Cope says the Salvation Army will never enable anyone, instead it’s job is to reach out and give a hand up.