News & Stories
Join us in celebrating faith, community, and the love of Christ.

Nouvelles
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Aug 06, 2025
Meet Toto: A Volunteer Who Leads with Compassion
An Interview with Toto
Toto works with Youth Unlimited, a non-profit helping teenagers grow
into confident, capable leaders. Through service projects and
volunteer placements, she opens doors for youth to step out of their
comfort zones and connect with a broader, more diverse world.
She admits it’s not always easy finding the right placements can be
tough, and sometimes students come in with a sense of entitlement. But
the wins make it worth it.
Like the time Chef Masa told her that her students were “some of the
best volunteers I’ve ever had.” Or when she watches a once-shy teen
speak boldly with strangers after just a few weeks.
What keeps her going? “My Christian faith teaches me to be
compassionate,” she says. “And being a mother helps me understand each
student a little better.”
Toto isn’t just helping young people volunteer she’s shaping future
leaders, one experience at a time.
Interviewed on: June 24, 2025
Written by: Joshua Asumadu
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Nouvelles
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Jul 23, 2025
Rolling Forward with Hope
The journey of hope sometimes begins with a simple step – or in this
case, with wheels. The Salvation Army BC Division is honoured to
announce a transformative partnership with the Wheels of Faith Foundation, which has generously
donated 390 roller duffel bags to support our community members in transition.
For the full story: https://salvationarmy.ca/britishcolumbia/2025/07/22/rolling-forward-with-hope/
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Nouvelles
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Jun 27, 2025
Stories of Hope: Tanya's Story
Stories of Hope: Tanya’s Story – “I feel confident again, I feel
calm again, I feel like anything that comes my way, I will be okay.”
TANYA
“I have identified as an alcoholic for 20 years or so and my recovery
has had its ups and downs along the way. After a successful period of
5.5 years sober, I started a business, and then Covid came into
existence. I relapsed on and off for 2 years and then decided that
treatment was the only option. Today I am 2+ years sober, and my world
is bright again.”
“When I came to Belkin House, for the first 6 months or so, I didn’t
do much. I was just trying to heal.”
Tanya enrolled into the Personal Development Plan (PDP) Program at
Belkin House in early 2023. Tanya spent the first few months focusing
on her sobriety and healing journey by attending the PDP Living Skills classes.
“I think it’s important for people to take the time to heal,
especially if you’re coming from a recovery treatment center. You need
to be kind to yourself.”
“I went to see my parents, who I haven’t seen for a while. I’m very
open with them about everything and they always support me so I’m very
lucky to have a whole family that does all that. When I came back that
day, up in the elevator [at Belkin House], there was a notice for
Employ to Empower. So, it was a workshop they were doing and it was
just a few days after that I went to see what that was all about.”
“I’ve been making soaps as a hobby for quite some time. I did do a
little bit of selling in 2018 and then I had to move, so for about 3
years – almost 4 – I didn’t do any of it. When I came here, when I
went through the course, which was filled with wonderful information,
from picking out a name to branding to marketing to everything- doing
budgets – it brought me back into the thought of [running a business].
“Lara and Alberto were my instructors. I did an in-person class [the
Employ to Empower Business Skills Training Program] – I encourage
anyone to do the in-person class. There were maybe 8 of us, nice and
small. Both Lara and Alberto were great. It did make you think and
challenge you a bit.”
The Employ to Empower Business Skills Training Program is a
10-week program designed to provide people who are faced with
barriers, such as low-income, addictions, and health issues, the
resources and tools to explore entrepreneurship.
LARA
“We have different topics each week and each week builds on the
previous one. What are your business values? What is your vision? Our
goal is to provide self-employment resources, information, and tools
for participants to help them figure out their business vision. In the
program we talk about mission statements, ideal audience, branding,
marketing, finances, and at the end, each participant will create a
business summary, and a basic business plan. Everyone will do a
presentation about their business vision and we bring in external
panelists who have entrepreneurial experience or who have specific
business knowledge.”
“I remember Tanya,” Lara, the Employ to Empower Business Skills
Training Lead reflects. “She’s so gifted at making soaps and coming up
with creative designs. It really is about creating more structure and
thinking about the business side of things. That’s where the structure
of the Business Skills Training comes in…thinking about the whole
process. We hope to provide more structure and clarity for
participants to think about how they run their business and want to
offer their products or services.”
“She [Tanya] went through the whole 10 weeks. I remember practicing
with her [for the presentation] and when the article came out with
Small Business BC, it’s really awesome to see she started this. She
showed up to classes, she put in the work, she created this for herself.”
TANYA
“Making soap is therapy for me,” Tanya says. “It’s so much fun.”
Tanya was commissioned for a soap order while staying at Belkin House.
“There’s a lot of stuff I need to put in the room to do that [make
soaps]. It all happened here [Belkin House].
“I had to make 50 or 70 soaps for Christmas, and it’s been crazy
since then.”
Tanya has been invited to present numerous soap-making workshops. She
would prepare soaps, clean and prep the kits and work on her presentations.
Reflecting on her time at Belkin House, Tanya has found comfort in
the fact that her journey is always a work in progress.
“The major goal I’m working on is permanent housing. [Also to] keep
going to counselling, keep working on myself– in fact I know that
will never end– it’s a constant and that’s ok. I’m a curious person,
I like to learn, that will keep going.”
Date of Interview with Tanya: May 8, 2024
Instagram: @_belkincommunitiesofhope for more Stories of Hope.
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Nouvelles
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Jun 27, 2025
Stories of Hope: GF's Story
Stories of Hope: GF’S Story – Laying the groundwork & foundation
GF’s Story
“Before I got to Belkin House, I was recently divorced, I was lost, I
was not enjoying my career very much…it had been the first time I had
been living on my own for almost 20 years and I started drinking too
much and lacking direction. I had been sober for 7 years. When my wife
and I separated, I moved to West Vancouver and I started struggling. I
moved to North Vancouver to be closer to my ex-wife and son and that
improved things for a while, but ultimately still found myself alone
and making poor decisions.” “I gave up my apartment in North Vancouver
and went to Central City Lodge (a treatment centre, later re-named the
Emerge addiction recovery program). While there, it was suggested that
I look for second stage housing to continue with my ongoing personal
growth and recovery after in-patient treatment concluded. Belkin House
was suggested so I put myself on the Belkin House waiting list. I was
not certain whether or not I would actually go to Belkin House, but I
was open to the idea.”
Leaving treatment and reintegrating back into the community can be
overwhelming and daunting.
“A lot of times, people go to treatment and its very much a bubble.
Everything is provided for you. They cook your meals, you just need to
show up for meal time. You have classes in the AM and the PM, there’s
a curfew—there’s a lot of structure. Oftentimes, when one leaves
treatment, the lack of structure and an abundance of free time can be
a risky place for someone in recovery to find themselves.”
“I first assumed I would be moving back to North Vancouver, but while
staying at Emerge, I had been coming up here [The Salvation Army
Belkin House] on occasion to go to Chapel. I’ve been to Belkin for a
meal, for Chapel, there were alumni from the Emerge program living at
Belkin who had good things to say about it so by the time my 3 months
at Emerge came to a close, I decided to move to Belkin.”
GF enrolled in Belkin House’s Personal Development Plan (PDP) Program
in August of 2019. “This was ideal because when I came here, the
classes were not all day long. They ran from 9am until 12 noon. I had
to cook my own meals, however, if I wanted, there were meals available
three times per day at the Belkin House cafeteria so I had that
option. I found Belkin House to be the perfect transitional
environment. I was well equipped and supported while going from a
treatment setting to greater independence. I would highly recommend
people opt for this approach as opposed to being thrust immediately
back into the environment they came from. It is hard to get well if
you return to the places that made you unwell.”
The PDP Program is catered specifically to each individual, providing
enough guidance, yet also empowering residents to develop the life
skills to regain control over their lives.
“Coming here is helpful because the structure is provided, it lays
the groundwork and foundation.” “I worked with Andy, my counsellor,
and continued on my program of recovery. In particular, it was really
important to stay focused when Covid hit. I think the free time and
isolation were very challenging for some. Fortunately, I remained
connected with Andy, with Belkin and with a couple of my neighbours…I
continued to read Scripture, I continued to come to Chapel, I
continued to read my treatment handouts and I just stayed really focused.”
Andy recalls his time as GF’s caseworker, “You were always active
from day one. You were always active on your recovery, meetings,
church…GF would be very honest and caring to the other guys.”
The Belkin House community played a huge role in GF’s recovery.
“It’s great to come in and Simeon [Belkin House Support Services
Worker] and the rest of the staff will recognize you and say hi. The
rooms are fabulous. It’s very comfortable and I can focus and be by
myself, but I can always come down to the main floor or the second
floor and there’s always people hanging around, both staff and
clients…it was friendly, there was a social element.”
One of GF’s main goals was to find permanent housing for when he
moved on from Belkin House. Andy assisted GF as he contacted various
places and filled out numerous applications.
By the Fall of 2020, GF found a place.
“I was here for 16 months and eventually, I got a place. It is
through BC Housing so my rent is tied to my income. I’m fortunate that
way and where I’m living now has got lots of great supports.”
GF is currently a self-employed personal trainer, working with
clients throughout Metro Vancouver. He enjoys building a strong
relationship with his clients and finding creative ways to help his
clients reach their goals. GF enjoys living an active lifestyle,
working as a bike courier, practicing weightlifting and mountain
biking with his son.
Although GF has successfully completed our PDP Program, he continues
to stay involved at Belkin House, coming in to volunteer in our
kitchen when he is able and attending Chapel.
“Faith has always been important, it’s a key component for me. I like
going to Chapel and I felt very comfortable at The Salvation Army.”
Date of Interview with GF: April 18, 2024
Instagram: @_belkincommunitiesofhope for more Stories of Hope.
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Nouvelles
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Jun 27, 2025
Stories of Hope: Dean & Terry-Lee
Stories of Hope: Dean & Terry-Lee’s Story – “If you’re tired,
come lay”
“If you’re tired, come lay.” – Dean & Terry-Lee
Dean and Terry-Lee’s Story
DEAN
“I was just a normal guy, doing my job, drinking beers, smoking
pot, doing my job at the print shop when I discovered meth.”
“I got into meth addiction in 2003. When I first started using, it
took me 4 years to lose my job. I had been in a print shop working
the same job for 18 years. A lot of time till I finally got clean in
2016 was me going out to find scrap copper in old houses and stuff
like that– I wasn’t stealing peoples’ power lines—[but] that’s how I
made money.”
“I was living in the Downtown Eastside in Blood Alley. Then, I went
to the Onsite Detox above the injection site February 16 of 2016 and
then I did 22 days there. 5 weeks at Maple Ridge Treatment Centre,
which they [Onsite Detox] got me into right away and then I went to
Central City Lodge, now called Emerge, and then from there the thing
to do was to come to Belkin House.”
“I put my name in early, within halfway through my 3 months at
Central City Lodge (CCL) [Now known as Emerge], I put my name here
and actually, that’s when I first met Jenea [Belkin House’s
Transitional Housing Manager] and I came up and did an interview of
course to see if I’m on board with how it works. Then, 93 days
[later] I moved from CCL into Belkin House on July 16, maybe 17, of 2016.”
At this point, Dean was about to start the next stage to his
recovery. However, apprehensions and worries of relapse were still looming.
DEAN
“Someone I knew who had been here as well for the full 18
months told me if you really want to, like, get in there and be
apart of it, volunteer in the kitchen.” So, once I got here
[Belkin House] and had a stable environment, I came down and signed
up for kitchen [volunteering] so I had a commitment every morning to
do to show I can do a job…because I hadn’t worked for 10 years…and
so from that point on, I worked in the kitchen.”
TERRY-LEE
“I got here September 2016 and it was just after you [Dean] had
gotten here. I came for totally different reasons. I came cause a
lot of family members had died and I buried my mom in North Van and
I had come out of addiction as well and I had really bad teeth.”
Terry’s struggle with addiction severely impacted her teeth, so she
needed extensive dental work.
“They couldn’t do dentures [for me] until they sawed my jaw down,
because of the abuse.”
“And there was no availability for any kind of free dental from the
island from Port Alberni, where I come from, so I thought, okay,
I’ll just go to Belkin and check in to the shelter and go down to
the Native Sons on Hastings because I’ve been an addict for 10 years
downtown, so I knew [about Native Sons] and I’ll get it done free
and I’ll go home. So I’m just gonna be here for a few weeks and then
I’m going home…and now it’s years later.”
When Terry arrive at Belkin House the fall of 2016, she did not
anticipate being here for long, let alone meeting her future husband.
DEAN
“At that point, I was in the PDP [Belkin House’s Transitional
Housing Program, Personal Development Plan] and Terry was in the
shelter. I noticed this girl outside with the Harley jacket looking
all tough.”
Dean joking shared how based on first impressions, he was telling a
friend how Terry looks “kinda mean”. Now, he looks at her with so much adoration.
DEAN
“So, as I got to know Terry and her talking about her recovery
stuff and all the things she’s done on the island with the Alano
Club and working with all the people in the AA and NA program, I
kinda jokingly said, “Hey, what are you doing for Christmas? Do you
want to go back to Alberta with me and meet my family?”
Before Terry, Dean had already purchased a ticket to go to his
mother’s home in Red Cliff for Christmas.
DEAN
“It was paid for and all that. The only thing I can do is
change the name on the ticket.”
TERRY-LEE
“I said to him, “Maybe you should take 2 weeks and think about
that because you might be thinking with the wrong head and if you’re
serious, you can come back and ask me again in 2 weeks.”
DEAN
“I was just being bold because I liked Terry already. I waited
about 3 weeks or so until I had to change the ticket, so then I said
to her, “So, what’s your last name?”
TERRY-LEE
“He hadn’t gone back to see his family for 22 years, so it was
a big ask. [He] got clean, haven’t seen these people and just needed
a friend to get [his] back and I’m good for that.”
At this point, Terry and Dean were both involved in the same NA
group, working on their individual commitment to sobriety.
“By the time the invitation came, he really had put himself right
at the spotlight and I did know him and I guess I could spend 3
weeks with you in Alberta.”
And so, Terry gave Dean her last name, he changed the ticket, now
they’re both set for Christmas in Alberta.
DEAN
“My family absolutely loved Terry and they tried to get me to
heave her there. My mom absolutely loved Terry very very much and
they were just over the moon about it.”
“By the time we left, my mother was telling me I should marry her.”
After spending Christmas with Dean’s family, Terry was at a
crossroads regarding her time at Belkin House.
DEAN
“We got the bus back and everything’s good, we’re friends and
Terry at that point was losing her place in the shelter. She already
asked to put her name in [for the PDP program] and I also talked to
Jenea and everyone I could get to listen to me.”
After praying about and reassuring Terry that things will work
out, they let Terry at that point enter the PDP program.
TERRY-LEE
“So that was a little God moment because they came and said
you’re going to go [upstairs] and go into the PDP program.”
Dean and Terry went on to successfully complete the PDP program
and Dean celebrated his one year of sobriety during his time at
Belkin House.
TERRY-LEE
“We had his one year at CCL and there was over 50 people,
including his counsellor, John.”
DEAN
“John Dewsbury, he was such a character, he was a really
awesome man he was my counsellor and I really really looked up to
him too he was a huge part of my recovery.”
Dean described John as an ever-steady presence for him, supporting
him through his journey.
“Half the people in PDP were at my one year at the CCL…that was
probably one of the happiest days of my life.”
Dean still had one more thing on his check list while at Belkin
House. After celebrating Dean’s one year of sobriety…
TERRY-LEE
“He took me to White Spot just up here and had cheesecake… and
that’s when he said you know it’s been a year…”
DEAN
“Terry wouldn’t allow me to even consider her my girlfriend or
me to be her boyfriend until I at least had a year clean, which
would have been February 16 of 2017.”
Dean proposed to Terry by the end of March. With the help of Manuel
[Belkin House’s Life skills worker at the time], Dean took Terry down
to Second Beach.
TERRY-LEE
“I can tell you exactly where it was right by the pool and he
talked to Manuel right before he did it and he gave me flowers…”
DEAN“and a promise ring from the Native Centre on
Hastings right near Commercial, she picked it out and I paid for it.”
After completing the PDP program at Belkin House, Terry
transitioned over to The Salvation Army Grace Mansion. At Grace
Mansion, Terry had her own unit, with her own kitchen!
DEAN
“October 21, 2017 we got married and Terry was already at Grace.”
TERRY-LEE
“I love to cook! It was so special to be able to have a stove
to make a meal in our own suite, he was like oh wow you’re a good
cook, there’s nothing like getting to your apartment and you have a
key and you can cook a meal… at Grace, I had my place and he’s
allowed to come [over].
“It gave us that one step now that we’re married.”
Dean and Terry have since moved on from Belkin Communities of Hope,
having found their own place with their dog, Cheyanne.
Dean is in the process of completing his life skills counsellor
course while working as a casual for the Portland Housing Society as a
Community Support Worker.
Terry enjoyed the Barista training courses while at Belkin. Coupled
with her passion for cooking, she is interested in pursuing a career
in Food Services.
TERRY-LEE
“I ended up doing the Friendship Society… I’ve been working
with them until present, I worked my way through cleaning and
sanitizing and then prepping and cleaning.”
DEAN
“I [have] stayed clean since then, but I had two [nights] when
I made the bad choice, when we went through that rough patch [from]
2020 to 2021…one night I used a little bit and it was horrible, like
I saw a few things and it was not the same…I like to say it’s a
perfect 8 years, but it hasn’t, relapse is a part of recovery.”
Dean and Terry have so many fond memories of Belkin House and Grace
Mansion. Reflecting back on their time with Belkin Communities of
Hope, Dean and Terry recalled how warm the community was, the bond
they’ve built with other residents and the various programs being
major highlights.
DEAN AND TERRY-LEE
“It felt like a home for quite a while, it was, it was inviting
and peaceful and all the dynamics going on in this building.”
TERRY
Referencing Matthew 11:28
“It all started here [at Belkin House], if you’re tired, come lay.”
Date of Interview with Dean and terry-Lee: March 25, 2024
Instagram: @_belkincommunitiesofhope for more Stories of Hope.
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Nouvelles
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Jun 27, 2025
Stories of Hope: VC's Story
Stories of Hope: VC’s Story – “If I was not here at The Salvation
Army, I don’t know where I will be right now.”
“When I was in the Philippines, I really wonder why all the good
and bright ones are going out to the foreign countries. I realized
that I have a dream to go out too. I really grabbed the opportunity
when my husband’s family wanted me to be a caregiver.”
VC’s Story of Hope
When the chance arose for VC to leave the Philippines to become a
caregiver in Canada, she was filled with joy and excitement.
“This is for the family and also the family of my husband [and
their] ambition to come here.”
With the pressure of being the provider for her family and moving to
a new country where she did not know anyone, VC was optimistic about
the new life she could pave for herself and her family.
“This is a good contract because [it paid] $17 per hour, 8 hours of
work, 2 days off…everything was stated good.”
“I arrive here [Vancouver] February 4th, 2019. I was so happy I
have my own room because in the Philippines, we are living in the
floor with mosquito nets.”
However, her employer’s masked deception began to crack and show
through. The young child that VC as tasked to take care of was
extremely high risk.
“I never encountered such a high risk person. I can’t sleep because
he is having seizures in the middle of the night. He was in a GJ
(Gastric Jejunal) tube, he has a pulmonary problem, he had a heart
bypass operation…”
The room VC was promised was a lie. She was expected to always sleep
on the floor in the playpen beside the child with a camera monitoring,
wake up at 5:30am to prepare breakfast for the other children and
complete all house chores.
“Sunday I go to church. I thought I was having the day off because
I read the contract. The said no, I don’t have a day off.”
“So it started…24/7 with the family…we are inseparable. I was
crying to my husband, can I go back home, I cannot take this
agony here.”
VC’s husband could only muster up to tell her to “bare the pain for
the sake of us.”
“I sacrificed a lot. The pain, the abuse, physically, emotionally,
verbally, financially—everything. Why don’t you also help me? I’m
tired, why don’t you find work…you stopped working because the
salary I have is bigger?”
Frustrated and exhausted of carrying all the burden on her shoulders,
VC felt hopeless.
“They give me $750 for the salary for the whole month. Another 250
is being taken by my husband in the Philippines.”
Absolutely shocked and devastated by the pay, her employer insisted
that they had this agreement confirmed via Facebook messages.
“It was not stated there [on Facebook], they are fooling me around.
I really feel hurt…they saw on my face I was really sad…they really
put me down and degrade me. The word that triggers me is that [my
employer said] if something happens [to their child], I am the one
who is liable…I said to myself I need to get out of this house.”
“Because I am not a refugee, the Migrant Workers Centre gave me the
number of Propel.”
“I connected with Illuminate and by the last week of May 2021, I was
here [enrolled in our Illuminate Anti Human Trafficking programs] and
I undergo mental health programs.”
After receiving the support and care from our Illuminate program, VC
was looking for work again. Unfortunately, another deceitful and
manipulative employer in Ontario lied to her again, exploiting her
labour for multiple months. As VC is worried about her lack of
employment impacting her Permanent Residency application, she
reconnected with Illuminate in September of 2022 and filed a case
against her employer.
“I connected to Illuminate again. I said to myself why is this
happening? It’s very difficult to have boundaries and assertiveness
in my culture in the Philippines. We [are constantly told] to have
to sacrifice. Assertiveness and having boundaries is very crucial
for me because when I receive my work permit this time, I will not
make those mistakes again.”
After going through the Illuminate programs, VC was ready to
transition into the Personal Development Plan (PDP) Program at The
Salvation Army Belkin House. While VC progressed through our PDP
program, one of her goals included obtaining a Resident Care Attendant
(RCA) designation.
“I really want to go to school to have this registration.”
“By May 2023, I started enrolling and I asked [for] help here at The
Salvation Army [Belkin House]. I asked to apply for assistance with
school and I was granted. It was Alvin [Belkin Communities of Hope
Director of Community Development] who called the school. Micah [VC’s
Caseworker] told me I need your student number and everything because
we are going to pay for you.”
It was through an education grant that VC was able to receive her
RCA designation. At the time of her enrollment, VC was working as a
casual at a senior care facility and part time doing medical cleaning.
As the RCA program required her to complete a practicum placement, VC
would have to take time off her jobs.
“I said to Micah I can go to school, but I cannot pay because I am
doing my practicum now. I ask help again from The Salvation Army.”
Belkin House was able to cover VC’s entire tuition for the
rest of her schooling.
“By January this year 2024, I had my credentials. I am going to
graduate this May 2024…praise the Lord! I enjoy what I have now. I
finished my RCA, I have my license and I also win the case against my
employer. I let go [of] everything…the pain I let it go. The Salvation
Army really give me inspiration to live a second chance of life.
Before I really want to lose my life. I really even stopped breathing
when I was there in my employer’s house.”
“
Self-motivated, driven despite barriers, she pressed on
,” were some of the words Micah used to describe VC. With the
support of multiple Belkin Communities of Hope programs and staff, VC
was able to regain control over her life and feel restored with hope.
“I went to church, I went to counselling, I went to
therapy—everything. I said to myself, I thank God that I’ve been here
at The Salvation Army because no organization is helping me…nothing
will help because I’m not a refugee. I cried a lot asking for help.
It’s the Salvation Army who brought me here [Illuminate], who gave me
food and shelter and education and healing—everything. This is why I
call this my mansion.”
Date of interview with VC: April 5, 2024
Please note names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
Instagram: @_belkincommunitiesofhope for
more Stories of Hope
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Nouvelles
|
Jun 27, 2025
Stories of Hope: Carlos' Story
“My life before Belkin, I guess I would say I was very defeated. I
was looking for solutions. My life had become something that I
didn’t want…I knew I needed change. That’s what I came here looking for.”
Carlos’ Story of Hope
“Before Belkin, I was in treatment for three months. I was in
stabilization for one month and then detox for two months. Detox was
one of the worst times in my life simply because I was so sick. It
was not a fun time…I had a really tough detox. It made me see the
amount of damage I had done to myself.”
Carlos defined addiction as a beast. He had lost his sister just
before he decided he needed to get sober. With the weight of his grief
and personal demons, Carlos was struggling to find hope in his life.
“I came in [to Belkin House’s Personal Development Program (PDP)]
from treatment. I didn’t feel I was ready for the outside world. I
had a home to go back to after treatment, I had housing, but I
didn’t want to go back to where I was before. The place I had was
not safe for my recovery. It was an SRO, although a very well-kept
place, the problem with it was using and addiction was rampant in
that building. There’s just no way I was going to stay sober there.”
“Even though housing in Vancouver is hard right now, I gave it up.
Your life is more important. At least I will be sober and safe [at
Belkin House]. It was very scary before moving in, very scary.”
A lot of worries were racing through Carlos’ mind as he was preparing
to move into Belkin House.
“What if I relapse, there’s a big chance I will relapse and then I
would have lost my home.”
However, everything started to shift once Carlos settled into Belkin House.
“Coming into Belkin and finally closed my old house and
everything was moved here, it was such a relief. I
could feel it…why was I holding on to that past life? It made my
commitment to recovery stronger. That worry that I had about
relapse…this is the road I’m taking now. Here we go.”
After progressing through our PDP courses, such as financial
literacy, rent smart, and applying for housing, Carlos was ready for
phase two. He decided to pursue further schooling.
“I like helping people. I think it’s just something that’s so
natural for me. I’ve always been interested in working with special needs.”
Returning to school was a bit daunting for Carlos.
“I applied and I got accepted to start my program, but I didn’t
know how to pay for it… I was going to take out a loan.”
Concerned about affording his tuition, Carlos was also struggling
with self-doubt.
“I’m going to start school, it’s a condensed program. I have not
been in school for a long time. I’m coming out of addiction…who
knows what damage I’ve done to my brain? Will I retain this stuff?”
Belkin House was able to secure an education grant which covered
Carlos’ entire tuition. While we helped alleviate Carlos’ financial
stress, he expressed gratitude for the support and resources at Belkin
House that prepared him to return to school.
“Andy (Carlos’ Caseworker) prepared me. The resources here…use the
resources here! I felt good and ready to start school mentally.”
Carlos has successfully graduated from his program and currently
works in education.
Since Carlos had completed his schooling, started working and
demonstrated stability, “Carlos showed them [housing managers]
consistency,” Andy stated. After a 10 month stay at Belkin House,
Carlos has secured housing after a lengthy and tumultuous process.
“One thing I really appreciate about Belkin was it gave me
a place to grow. [It’s] unbelievable how much growing I
did here as far as going to school and being able to be disciplined
and at the same time, having the support here as far as housing and
with my addiction…the fact I didn’t have to worry [because] the
support is right here. Belkin was great, [I] have nothing but appreciation.”
“If you come to Belkin, please take advantage of the resources.
They’ve been in the game for a long time. They know what they’re
doing. I followed the program and I can say it works. They are here
to help you.”
Reflecting on his time spent as C’s Caseworker, Andy is grateful for
Carlos’ willingness and openness to fully embrace the PDP experience.
“Carlos followed the pathway the way we intended. He followed it
perfectly. I love that Carlos is always open to receiving. I
appreciate you trusting us”
“When things get hard, it’ll pass. And that’s what kept me going.” -Carlos
Date of interview with Carlos: January 19, 2024
Please note names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
Instagram: @_belkincommunitiesofhope for
more Stories of Hope
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Jun 27, 2025
Hero for Hope Series - Norman Hall
Hero for Hope Series – Norman Hall
The Hope in the City Breakfast is a special Christmas tradition in
our community. This event brings together thought leaders from
business, politics, sports and entertainment along with members of the
faith community. It is an opportunity to come together, ring in the
holiday season and recognize and celebrate the importance and impact
of philanthropy in our communities.
Belkin House was honored to be part of The Salvation Army’s 21st
Annual Hope in The City Breakfast on December 7, 2022. After a 3 year
hiatus, we reconnected with each other in-person, learned how to take
care of our mental health, and to celebrate the accomplishments of our
Hero for Hope.
Thank you everyone for coming out to our special event! To view the
video, visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/TSABelkinHouse/videos/882856289828878
#GivingHopeToday
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Jun 26, 2025
Hey Stranger Vancouver
“I had two cell phones because I was trying to take pictures of the
war and help the revolution. For this reason, they arrested me. The
soldiers in Syria asked us to get off the bus and stand in a line. I
thought I was done. When they arrest someone in Syria, they’re gone.
They disappear.
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Jun 25, 2025
FR The Salvation Army Journey: Prabath Pullay
FR When Prabath Pullay began his journey in 1996, he was simply
looking for a job, with no intention of joining The Salvation Army. He
never imagined he’d one day become an Executive Director. Watch his
inspiring story and see how the unexpected can lead to a meaningful calling.
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Jun 23, 2025
Long Time Volunteer is Honoured for her Commitment
For 14 years, Lisa Heinzinger was a familiar and friendly face to
guests and staff at The Salvation Army’s Belkin House community
kitchen in Vancouver. Belkin House is a facility that provides a home
to the homeless and those who are at risk of homelessness.
Lisa volunteered five days a week, helped in the kitchen and
organized the dining room for the guests that would come in daily. Her
commitment to volunteering brought hope and touched the lives of many individuals.
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Jun 23, 2025
Celebrating Our Diverse and Committed Volunteers
At many Salvation Army location across Canada, you will find selfless
individuals with a passion for helping and making a difference. They
graciously volunteer at programs such as food banks, street outreach
and Christmas supports.
Volunteers are key to the success of the Army’s vision to give hope
where there is hardship. Many programs and initiatives would not be
possible without them. Meet four extraordinary volunteers who have
dedicated years to The Salvation Army, transforming and uplifting lives.
Learn more