Confident that all the funding will be in place, Living Space in Timmins is planning to reinstate its overnight accommodation service for the homeless on Monday, May 13th. It’s been closed since this past Monday, April 28th, due to a funding gap.
Executive director Jason Sereda says his board is now confident the money will be in place in time for the 13th.
He also admits to suspecting the closure might last longer than two weeks.
“I was a little nervous at first,” he remarks, “but we recognize that it’s a service that needs to be in place, so we’re doing everything we can to make it short.”
“Homelessness isn’t just a problem that happens at night.” -Jason Sereda
Frequent users of the 20 beds were spoken to prior to the closure, and alternate arrangements were discussed. And the daytime drop-in at Living Space remains open every day, from 12:00pm to 4:00pm..
“So we’re using that opportunity to connect with every individual again and just follow up to see if they’ve accessed the referrals or if they need continued support,” says Sereda, adding that it has been important to offer that continuity. Even if the clients can’t stay overnight, they can still touch base in the daytime.
“Well, exactly. Homelessness isn’t just a problem that happens at night.”