A Timmins hub aimed at ending homelessness in the city is expanding.
Today, Living Space announced it is expanding to a second location at 316 Spruce St. S. starting in May. It will allow the 30-bed shelter to expand to accommodate more than 50 beds.
"Living Space’s existing operations will relocate to the Spruce Street South location while the Cedar Street North location will be re-purposed to meet the community’s need for single, transitional, and supportive housing models," reads the announcement.
"The transfer of operations will be completed in phases, with administrative offices being the first to change locations in May and guest programming (emergency shelter, health services, outreach) tentatively becoming operational at the new location in October 2021."
Other benefits noted in the announcement are improving the community's ability to have a central location for food security and volunteer activities, expand the health services program to add clinical space, and create dedicated programming for culturally safe and relevant supports.
"Ending homelessness in Timmins requires that our community invest adequate resources into developing the infrastructure required to ensure all people experiencing chronic homelessness have safe and accessible options available for emergency support and housing," said Jason Sereda, executive director.
“Investing resources that support the most marginalized citizens of Timmins will ensure that our community remains committed to promoting recovery, reconciliation, and growth."
Starting next month, Living Space staff will reach out to the community to make sure the neighbourhood's needs are "reflected in program design and property developments."
People with questions about the engagement can email Sereda at [email protected].
