For years, The Yo Mobile in Timmins has been providing a place of refuge for people who may be down on their luck.
Now, it's that time of year again, where a converted old school bus is out in the community providing a much needed service: outfitting people in need with warm winter wear and a hot meal.
A pickup truck loaded with about 100 slightly worn used winter coats parks next to the bus and is ready to provide warmth to people who are homeless.
Mario Dussault, founder of the The Yo Mobile, can attest to that. He's collected and given out more than 600 jackets over the past few months.
He says visits to mobile hub are in the thousands.
"My numbers go up every year. I just started January, and I have had 3,500 people go on this bus. It's crazy, 180-200 a night. Before, when I had 100, it was a big night." said Dussault.
Every Friday and Saturday evening from October to April, a black school bus is parked in city hall's lot near the Living Space Shelter.
Colette Fortier volunteers to help operate The Yo Mobile.
"People come onto The Yo Mobile and tell me, 'You know what Colette? I used to be just like you. I had a house and a family and a car and kids and a job and then I got hurt at work and that was the end of it. I had some trouble with WSIB, I lost my home, my wife left, I lost my kids.' So, that's why I say it really could be any one of us at any point in time that this could happen to." said Fortier.
She says while the need has increased in this city, there are many charities helping to meet the demand. However, she hopes for more effective and long-term solutions.
"We definitely have the lack of affordable housing in Timmins. It's difficult for people to find affordable places to live. There's increase in substance abuse as well, which I think contributes to the number of patrons we see on The Yo Mobile for sure. And there's more awareness that we're here." said Fortier.
Emile Okiamaw from Attawapiskat is homeless, but now calls Timmins home and doesn't want to go back to the coast.
"It's better here." said Okiamaw, which says a lot.
While patrons are fueled with food and fellowship on The Yo Mobile; the vehicle is powered by donors, including electricity provided by the city.
Dussault says none of it would be possible without all the community support.
"It's impossible for me to quit this now. Now, they’re my friends." said Dussault laughing. “Everybody respects me on this bus. I respect everybody. It's a big family now."
The Yo Mobile welcomes more male volunteers and donations of hats, mitts, scarves, and boots. As for food, individually wrapped packages of soups, snacks, and drinks are ideal, and for the bus, gas cards to keep it running.
