TIMMINS --
What was initially thought to be an anonymous donation to the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) turned out to be from Kirkland Lake Gold as a way of boosting homelessness programs in Timmins.
The board’s CAO, Brian Marks, said Friday that the over $550,000 contribution will pay the operational and staffing costs incurred from housing around 30 Living Space shelter clients at Northern College up to July 31.
First meant as a physical distancing alternative during the pandemic, Marks said the arrangement has actually been more beneficial for the patrons.
"Through this initiative, we’re able to actually house people directly from Northern College because they’ve reached a level of sustainability and comfort there," said Marks.
"Come July 1st, we’re looking at probably 16 of those people moving into private-market units, so it’s a real success story."
Around 30 Living Space clients have been housed at Northern College since March. June 20/2020 (Sergio Arangio/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Marks said he didn’t originally believe that a 'housing-first' approach could work but that it’s clearly had an impact that the community needs to capitalize on.
He said clients have been more receptive to supports offered by the organization and would end up being cheaper than having them circulate through the shelter system.
With the ultimate goal being to foster independence and permanently rise out of homelessness, Marks and Northern College’s president Fred Gibbons also announced a new joint initiative that KL Gold’s donation will help kick-start.
Dubbed the 'Fresh Start' program, it would select five people who have made it off the streets to attend Northern College for free, starting with two courses and a spot in its residence.
Still in the early stages of development, Marks and Gibbons said the project could launch as early as September, with a mix of online and practical in-class components.
"These courses would be tailored to each individual and their particular interests," said Gibbons, "with a view to helping them either determine that 'I can do college [...] I’m now going to pursue the rest of the program and a diploma,' or to help them with re-entry back into the workforce."
The goal for the Cochrane DSSAB is to give its clients the tools to stay off the streets. June 20/2020 (Sergio Arangio/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Gibbons said Cochrane DSSAB and the Living Space, which it operates, will pre-screen candidates over the next month and then the college will conduct interest and aptitude testing.
The program isn’t for people uninterested in making a lasting change in their situations, he said.
But for those who are motivated, Gibbons said the college is ready to support them.
"These five individuals will have food and accommodations provided to them, their books, free tuition and also wrap-around services, as are required to ensure their success."
