Generous “in-memory of” gift builds gym at Salvation Army homeless shelter in Reading

published on 9 Mar 2026

For residents of Willow House Lifehouse, a Salvation Army-run hostel for single adults and couples experiencing homelessness, the path to stability is often built step by step. Now, a powerful new tool on that journey has been installed in the hostel’s garden: a dedicated, professional-grade outdoor gym, made possible by a transformative “in-memory of” £30,000 donation from a local couple.

The family who prefers to remain anonymous approached The Salvation Army’s Philanthropy Department with a simple, generous directive: to support a local project that would make a tangible, lasting difference.

The family said, “When our parents passed away and we inherited more than we expected, we wanted to make a gift in memory of them and to help those living locally in difficult situations, whose upbringing or circumstances have made life hard for them. We enquired about our local Salvation Army Lighthouse, as a local project where we could physically see our gift at work. The staff suggested that the centre could benefit from an outdoor gym, and we are excited to see how this will be used to improve the physical, mental and spiritual health of the residents.”

Saul Jalland the Service Manager at Willow House Lifehouse says they are grateful to the family for the donation and gym. The gym provides residents with a free, accessible way to improve their physical health and reduce stress.

“We are so profoundly grateful to our donors. Their compassionate and thoughtful generosity has given us a resource we could only have dreamed of. They’ve invested not just in equipment, but in the health, dignity, and future of some of the most vulnerable people in our community. On behalf of all our residents and staff, thank you,”

The gift has funded five robust, commercial-grade weight and resistance units, carefully selected by staff and residents to provide a full-body workout, alongside a cardio exercise bike. The gym fills a long-held dream for the hostel, offering residents a free, on-site resource to build strength, relieve stress, and foster routine and well-being.

The family visited the completed gym and were delighted with the outcome. Through a mutual connection at their church, a personal trainer is now exploring the possibility of offering regular sessions to residents, aiming to build engagement and community around the new facility. The team at Willow House is excited for the coming spring and the potential the gym holds.

“This is about more than fitness. It’s about providing hope, a sense of achievement, and a daily reason to feel good. That’s the incredible gift the family has helped us build.”

Willow House is a Lifehouse operated by The Salvation Army in Reading, UK, providing a safe and supportive environment for single adults and couples experiencing homelessness. It offers a structured accommodation pathway, including emergency beds for up to two weeks, assessment beds for up to eight weeks, and longer-term beds. Furthermore, the facility runs a community hub space where professional services congregate to offer dedicated support to those in need. For more information about their services and how to support them visit their website, Willow House Lifehouse | The Salvation Army.