The Salvation Army is known around the world for its charitable work: its annual fundraising at Christmas, its charity shops and temples, where rescuers aim to offer a different kind of church community. And the organization is perhaps best known for its work with the most disadvantaged, especially the homeless.
But as Guardian investigative reporter Simon Goodley told Nosheen Iqbal, the Salvation Army has another, lesser-known role: it is a commercial landlord who rents out housing to people who pay market rents and expect suitable housing. However, for some residents of the town of Hadley in Essex, their homes are in serious disrepair. Despite years of complaints, their landlord has taken no action.
In a joint investigation with ITV News, Simon describes the living conditions of Rita, an elderly woman who lives with moisture that runs down her walls as she tries to keep warm. And here is Peggy, whose small home has been assessed by experts as a fire trap.
The Salvation Army apologized for the conditions and promised to fix what it had long postponed. But after years of unfulfilled promises, residents are still waiting to see real improvements to their properties from their landlord.
Photo: Joel Carrett / AAP
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