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New management of Living Space homeless shelter takes over Nov. 1

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Changes are happening at the Living Space homeless shelter in Timmins. The current executive director has resigned and as of Nov. 1, the shelter will be managed by Cochrane District Social Services.

“We’ll be better able to respond to the priorities that we see on the ground," said Brian Marks, executive director of Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board.

“Certainly that manager will be in touch with housing administration to make sure that the resources are brought to bear to make sure that we can do whatever we can to minimize disruptions to the neighbourhood properties.”

Meantime, Cochrane District Social Services is conducting an audit at the shelter. And, a firm called ' Third Party Public' is in the process of reviewing the way Living Space delivers services.

It's been meeting with agencies that are connected to Living Space, politicians, shelter employees, local residents, including some with lived experience.

“Many people we spoke to feel disrespected and scared and there was a general agreement ... that many people lacked understanding how decision-making worked, how the processes worked, what the mandates were of the different service providers," said Nicole Swerhun, managing principal with Third Party Public.

"This is just scratching the surface.”

Swerhun held 28 meetings over four days and said those she spoke with all believe people experiencing homelessness in Timmins require better services and everyone needs to work together for a 'made in Timmins' solution.

Third Party Public will be back in Timmins in November to have more meetings to explore and discuss options for the relocation of the shelter.

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