Mushkegowuk Council's Fire Keeper Patrol program has secured funding from the provincial and the federal governments, according to the Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus
The program is receiving $1.1 million from the federal government and $1.3 million from the province, said Angus in a news release today. The mobile street outreach program will provide 24/7, year-round services to homeless people struggling with addiction in Timmins.
The program started with a small group of people who started going to high-risk areas, talking to homeless people with addictions and handing out snacks. When Mushkegowuk Council learned about the initiative, it submitted a proposal for a street outreach program.
The name of the program, Fire Keeper Patrol, was created by the man who leads the initiative.
Various community partners will be working on the project including the City of Timmins, Wabun Tribal Council, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Porcupine Health Unit, Timmins Native Friendship Centre, Timmins Living Space, Red Cross and more.
In the release, Angus congratulated the program co-ordinators and said he was proud to work with the team on securing the funding.
“I am very pleased at how so many came together to make this happen. That’s how we do things in the North, and this program will be a great benefit to the community,” Angus said. “It may not fix the entire problem, but it will provide a crucial and culturally appropriate care model for these individuals who require help.
