Homeless men get shelter

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Homeless Aboriginal men in the city of Timmins will have access to a shelter this summer. Monica Lafontaine, executive director of the Timmins Native Friendship Centre, says the government will provide $160,000 in funds to get the shelter up and running this year.

The main service for the men will be to provide a supportive, nurturing environment, in order for them to gain self-sufficiency. The length of stay will be one week, but if necessary a longer stay could be provided, as determined by an assessment.

Lafontaine recognizes $160,000 isn't a lot of money, considering the cost of a home, a van for transportation, furnishings, and wages for an outreach counsellor. "We'll be skimping, but next year, in March 2003, we'll be eligible to apply for another $55,000. Then we will have to look for funds elsewhere, to keep going."

The Friendship Centre board decided to start the program for men, although women and children need it just as much. They felt it was important to focus on one group first, get good at that, then expand their services.

The main clientele will be independent people who want to be involved in programs such as literacy, upgrading or life skills, or who have succeeded in a 28-day treatment program and need a new positive, supportive environment, to prevent them from slipping back into their old ways.

Lafontaine says this type of program is definitely needed. The home for the homeless is not a hotel. It will be for people who really want access to programs to improve their lives. The maximum client intake will be 10, plus a few emergency beds.

The outreach counsellor will offer life skills training, and will be a positive role model. The counsellor will also work with Porcupine Health Services after hours, driving around the city distributing condoms, and looking for people who may need access to the programs.

During the month of May, the board will be looking to purchase a home. "We'll be looking for a home, preferably with a one-bedroom apartment attached," said Lafontaine. According to Lafontaine, there is a program similar to this in Kapuskasing, and there are 10 to 12 other such programs currently being planned in other towns and cities across Ontario.