Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/358103
strikepoint urban mission initiative >> 'Passionate' about hope I t's a sweltering summer day in the troubled Kensington neighborhood of North Philadelphia. The sun is shining, but an elevated train trestle casts an ominous shadow over a section of the city known for be- ing the point–of–purchase for the purest form of heroin in the nation—and for prostitution. These women, who are victims of the local sex trade, amble over to a former storefront and pound on its door, hoping to find help there. It's a new drop–in center opened by The Salvation Army. "People know that we're The Salvation Army, that we will support them, and that ultimately, God is with them," said Jamie Manirakiza, MSW, social services program director for Greater Philadel- phia. The drop–in center, which opened in April, fits perfectly into the urban mis- sion aspect of "Strikepoint," the vision unveiled for the Eastern Territory by Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territo- rial commander. Arielle Lopez, MSS, the anti–trafficking program coordinator for Greater Philadel- phia, agreed that Christians should reach out more to blighted urban areas. "I think The Salvation Army, in par- ticular, is a great organization for that," she said. "They kind of get dirty; they get their hands and feet in the midst of populations that no one else wants to talk to and no one else wants to touch." Manirakiza, Lopez, and Kelsie Patton, a case manager, are the lead staffers of the anti–trafficking efforts at the center, which also calls on a list of some 200 volunteers from various church groups. For the last three years, the Army has been part of a coalition of other non- profits that fought human trafficking, and Manirakiza helped lead an effort to open the drop–in center. Manirakiza said the women who drop by receive case management, food, clothing, toiletries, and "non–judgmental conversation" with staff and volunteers. A washer, dryer, and shower are also available. Manirakiza said some local businesses have volunteered their ser- vices to help upgrade what was once a rundown storefront. The center, described as a "safe place" and an oasis for the neighborhood's women often forced into street prostitu- tion, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Thursday; and 9 p.m. to mid- night on Wednesday and Thursday. Manirakiza said other non–profits that also do street outreach direct the women to the drop–in center. During the day, a sign directs women in and sometimes staffers go out to the side- walk themselves. "The women who have visited the center also talk to each other," Manirakiza said. "Because women have such a good experience when they come in—not feeling judged, feeling loved, feeling ac- cepted—they tell other people," she said. Lopez said clients always tell her they appreciate that the staffers are welcoming. "For us, part of what we want to cre- ate is a safe and welcoming environment, so [their appreciation] shows us we're accomplishing that goal," she said. Patton said the women sometimes com- plain about being judged when they visit Jamie Manirakiza, MSW, social services program director for Greater Philadelphia 8 August 2014