With government funding announced last summer, the new Transition Home in a former school on Wilcox Street in Timmins has officially opened.
Operated by Family and Children’s Services, it offers private accommodations for five people between the ages of 16 and 23 already being served by NEOFACS. The sixth unit is for a live-in house parent, and there are common areas for tenants.
NEOFACS executive director Cléo Charlebois says it’s been in the works since 2015.
“The Transition Program will play an essential role in providing a stable and supportive environment for these young people,” he told the ribbon cutting ceremony, “who often have no other family or community options to rely on while trying to establish their independence.”
The agency has been operating a similar program in New Liskeard for over a decade. Charlebois expects the same kind of direct, positive results in Timmins.
1) Affordable Stable Housing: The program offers affordable temporary
accommodations and support, with youth contributing towards rent, not exceeding
$480 per month. Ranging from one month to a year, the average stay is about six
months, fostering stability for youth to focus on their well-being and acquire life skills
essential for adulthood and independent living.
2) Housing Security: The program provides semi-independent housing units and on-site
support services, aiming to prevent youth homelessness by offering targeted support
and guidance to those in need. Youth leave the program better equipped to identify,
access, and navigate community services relevant to their needs.
3) Supportive Services and Community Connections: Compassionate and caring
workers provide guidance and support to the youth to help them develop essential
life and social skills, while a House Parent lives on-site to oversee the program.
Mental health services are also accessible, and meeting rooms are available for
community partners. These wrap-around resources ensure that young people have a
community of support when they need it most. When services and support are not
available through NEOFACS, appropriate community resources will be referred to in
consultation with the youth.
4) Emotional and Social Well-Being: The program helps ease the transition into
adulthood and combat loneliness by offering supportive services and common spaces
for recreational activities. By taking a holistic housing-first approach, the program
helps foster personal growth, resilience, and self-sufficiency, leading to long-term
stability and well-being.
Source: NEOFACS