From Shelter to Suffering: My Harrowing Experience with the Salvation Army’s Billing System

The Shocking Truth About Life in the Salvation Army Kerr St!
(The Truth About Living in the Salvation Army)
Please join me on an unforgettable journey as I share my eye-opening experience of spending 4 years in the Salvation Army.
From the bizarre and hilarious to the deeply challenging,
I’m giving you a front-row seat to what life is truly like here.
Ever wondered what happens behind closed doors?
You’re about to find out. Get ready for jaw-dropping stories, moments that will make you laugh, and insights that might just surprise you.
This isn’t just a story about a place—it’s about resilience, humor, and finding meaning in the chaos.
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Trust me, you won’t want to miss this! Life at the Salvation Army Kerr Street:
The Kindergarten for Older Adults

My Struggle with the Salvation Army’s Billing Practices,
Background,

The Problem Began in 2023,
October 10, 2023,
The Salvation Army informed me that my annual income was $26,290.00 and announced my new monthly assisted living costs starting January 1, 2024:,
• Rent: $1,533.58,
• Additional Fees: Cable, telephone, and hydro,
After these deductions, I was left with only $7.00 to cover medical expenses, prescriptions, and other necessities., Despite my protests, the Salvation Army repeatedly double-dipped by deducting both rent and additional fees from my already insufficient check. ,This unjust practice cost me an extra $48.00 each time, leaving me in a dire financial situation.,

2024: Fear and Frustration,
Tax Filing Issues,
To prevent another year of financial exploitation, I paid out of pocket in 2024 to have my taxes done by a professional tax service.,
• The Salvation Army insisted I not file my taxes, despite my proof (bank statements) showing that I had already paid for professional help.,
• They demanded my entire government check again, threatening to leave me with no money for medications for a second year.,

A Temporary Solution,
Advocacy and Relief,
My social worker intervened and arranged for a young lady from an independent agency to take me by taxi to a tax specialist.,
• Upon returning to the Salvation Army, I informed them that I had to wait three days for processing.,
• I immediately emailed my worker, who handled the situation promptly.,
Outcome,
• My taxes were filed correctly, ensuring I had enough funds to cover my medications and a small personal allowance (e.g., a meal at A&W).,
• Promise for 2025: My worker assured me she would handle my taxes again this year to prevent the Salvation Army from exploiting my finances.,

Why This Matters,
The Salvation Army’s actions have caused immense stress and harm:,
1. Unfair Billing: Charging nearly my entire income for assisted living, leaving nothing for critical medical needs.,
2. Powerlessness: As a vulnerable senior, I feel trapped and unable to advocate for myself against their aggressive financial demands.,

My Plea,
I need help ensuring the Salvation Army cannot "double dip" into my limited income again. My health and survival depend on access to medications and basic dignity.,

The Bigger Picture,
This isn’t just about me.,
It’s about every vulnerable person who has been ignored, dismissed, or failed by a system that allows organizations like The Salvation Army to operate without accountability.,
I’m sharing my story because it’s time for change. No one should have to fight just to be treated fairly—especially those who rely on organizations that claim to help the vulnerable.,
The Salvation Army claims to be a nonprofit, not a charity, but their focus seems to be on securing as much funding as possible. (Where is all the money really going?),