Abbotsford, B.C. - A nursing program to help care for members of the local homeless population who suffer from health problems has been established.Based in the Abbotsford Salvation Army's Centre of Hope, the Parish Nurse Program is aimed at providing healthcare on site and making referrals to other health professionals if necessary. The program will also develop information workshops to tackle physical and mental health issues.

The two-and-a-half year pilot project is part of the Salvation Army's outreach program. "We want to engage with unsheltered individuals and those at risk of homelessness and provide supports which will help them stabilize their lives," says David Woodland, the Salvation Army's community ministries pastor.