Almost two weeks after a fire devastated the Good Samaritan Inn, the organization is hoping to have beds available at a new location this week.
In the early hours of Oct. 24, a fire tore through the homeless shelter at the corner of Golden Avenue and Evans Street in South Porcupine.
There were 14 clients inside at the time, and Ed Ligocki, Good Samaritan executive director and board chair, said 10 are still being housed at the Senator Hotel.
If all goes according to plan, that will change this week.
In 2013, a donation from Goldcorp allowed the Good Samaritan to buy the former South Porcupine United Church on Bloor Street, next to the fire station.
Since then, Ligocki said they’ve been ready to open on three occasions, but circumstances — including a broken pipe, and break in — prevented that from happening.
“We want to bring them here, our cook’s cooking in the kitchen, we’re ready to feed them. It’s be great to have the people here because they can give us a hand, you know if everyone just pitches in a little bit it helps us out,” he said.
There are seven rooms in the lower level of the building. With two sets of bunk beds per room, there’s space for about 28 people in the rooms. In a large open space next to the kitchen, he said there could be room for an additional 10-15 people.
It is just getting into the shelter's busy season.
Last December, Ligocki said they usually had about 50 people a night.
“Last year we set a record, we had 58 people,” he said, adding the occupancy stayed at about 50 people a night until the spring.
Since the fire, the community has rallied behind the Good Samaritan.
Ligocki said the Ramada Inn is providing beds for the new shelter, and the Bon Air is providing the linens.
“We thank the good lord for all these good people out there. My phone’s been ringing off the hook, and I can’t thank the companies, the residents, the businesses, the restaurants in Timmins enough. I can’t thank them enough for all they’re doing for us. A lot have done a lot for us already, more are calling, and more will call in the future and we’re just so thankful for all the help we can get,” he said.
Because the building was underinsured, he said cash donations are the best way to help.
“Food is of value, clothing is of value, furniture and appliances are of value, but cash donations are of most value. Because if we can go and buy things and the organizations, businesses can give us 20, 30, 40 per cent off, the dollar will go a lot further,” he said.
The best way to donate cash is to stop by 108 Bloor St., or you can donate online here.
For people wanting to donate items, the group released a wish list today on its Facebook page.
As for the outpouring of support so far, Ligocki said he can’t thank people enough.
“There are no words strong enough other than I can just say thank you from the bottom of my heart, a heart-felt thank you for everything you’re doing citizens of Timmins and area because without you we would be closed down, we wouldn’t be here for you,” he said.
Over at the site of the fire, Ligocki said the building will be demolished. The organization is not sure what will happen with the property as of yet.
