We appoint spiritual directors to support work with homeless people

The Salvation Army has appointed new spiritual directors to support homeless men and women in Glasgow.  

Captains Sara and Wayne Duffy will work with service users at the church and charity's three city centre lifehouses (centres for homeless people) - William Hunter House, Wallace of Campsie House and Huntershill Court.  

The married couple say their roles will see them serve as chaplains to the centres while working alongside staff to help them continue to deliver high standards of service.  

Sara and Wayne will join current part-time chaplain Captain Matt Butler, from Anderston Salvation Army, who will stay on to support the couple in their new roles.  

Sara said: “We're excited to be here in Glasgow. The welcome we have received has been overwhelming. People in the centres have been so friendly and they just want to talk to us.  

“Of course our ministry is to the centres but it's also for the wider community. There is real need in the centres and also out on the streets as well.  

“The Salvation Army is dedicated to caring for people who are vulnerable or in need in every community and in Glasgow city centre we fully intend to offer that to service users. And if staff need someone to talk to then we can be there for them as well."  

Russell Wyles, leader of The Salvation Army in the west of Scotland, said: “It’s with a sense of joy that we welcome Sara and Wayne into their new roles.  

“Grace is a theme that makes our centres here in Glasgow different from pretty much all other accommodation and recovery services in the city.  

“It’s that grace that Sara and Wayne will be relying on to sustain them and to introduce other folk in the centres into a fuller relationship with themselves and Jesus.”  

Ron Senior, manager of William Hunter House, said: “We’re excited and glad that Sara and Wayne are here.  

“Their appointment illustrates the commitment of The Salvation Army to homeless people in Glasgow. Many people in our centres have gone through dark periods for many years but there is a real sense that we’re helping them see the world in a new light.  

“God is moving in our lifehouses. Sara and Wayne are proof of this. We’d also like to thank Captain Butler for his invaluable service over the past couple of years and are delighted he is staying on.”