The Salvation Army, from its inception, has taken a practical approach to mission. In Adelaide, in 1897, the Army proposed to build a night shelter. The South Australian government agreed to a pound for pound subsidy, up to a total of 300 pounds, towards the cost of the building. The hostel opened in Whitmore Square the following year. At the present time (2007) the future of the shelter is in some doubt, with the possibility of the withdrawal of government funding.