From Pallets to Purpose
Sometimes hope begins in unexpected places.
When Jacob* first began working toward recovery, he was staying in a low-barrier shelter while participating in an Intensive Outpatient program for drug addiction. Life was uncertain, but one simple encounter would spark a new direction.
While at the shelter, Jacob met an older man who spent his time woodworking. Curious, Jacob struck up a conversation. The man offered to teach him a few things.
What started as a casual lesson quickly became something more.
Jacob discovered he had a real passion for woodworking. Working with his hands brought him focus, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment he hadn’t felt in a long time.
As Jacob continued his recovery journey, he realized he needed a more structured and supportive environment to help him stay on track. He applied to The Way Out Center (TWOC), the high-barrier shelter operated by The Salvation Army of Spokane, and was accepted into the program.
TWOC is designed to help residents rebuild stability. Participants commit to program expectations such as working toward permanent housing, improving their financial stability, seeking employment, and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle. Community is also an important part of the program, and residents gather together each evening for a shared meal.
Jacob embraced the opportunity.
Although woodworking tools aren’t allowed on campus for safety reasons, Jacob continued practicing his craft offsite whenever he could. He often gathered materials in creative ways, even scavenging discarded wood pallets for projects. One staff member remembers seeing him riding his bicycle with several pallets strapped to his back, determined to transform them into something useful.
To Jacob, pallets were simply practical. They were free and easy to find. But over time, they became something more. Each discarded board held potential if someone was willing to see it. With patience and care, Jacob could turn what others had thrown away into something strong, beautiful, and useful again.
At The Salvation Army, that transformation feels familiar. Just as Jacob restored old pallets into new creations, we believe every person has value and purpose. Each individual is lovingly created in the image of God, and no life is ever beyond restoration.
Over time, Jacob began to open up more with the TWOC team about his hopes for the future. He spoke honestly about his desire to stay clean and build a stable, productive life.
He also kept building.
During his six months in the program, Jacob created several handcrafted pieces that he chose to gift to the shelter that had supported him during such an important season of life. Today, those pieces remain at TWOC, including two outdoor benches, a small entry table now filled with plants, and a large dining table used daily by residents.
The dining table carries a special detail: The Salvation Army shield carefully burned into the wood at its center.
It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of the place where Jacob rebuilt his life.
After completing the full six-month program, Jacob successfully transitioned into permanent housing - a milestone that represents months of dedication, accountability, and growth.
Along the way, staff encouraged him to keep pursuing his passion for woodworking and consider turning it into a career path in carpentry or cabinetry.
His story is still being written. But today, Jacob is living proof that recovery, purpose, and new beginnings are possible…sometimes starting with something as simple as a piece of discarded wood and the willingness to learn.
The Salvation Army is proud to have been part of his journey.
*Name changed to protect privacy.