As winter approaches in Timmins, the Mushkegowuk Council’s health department is organizing a clothing drive to help people experiencing homelessness stay warm during the colder months. Donations will be accepted Nov. 2-4 at the Mushkegowuk Health office at 11 Elm Street North. Shayanne Beach, a patient advocate with the Indigenous health organization, told CTV News that the initiative is about more than providing basic necessities – it is also an opportunity to build connections with people who face barriers accessing essential services. “A lot of people often say, why can’t you just go access services? There’s a lot of great services here in the community and there is, but a lot of those services are only accessible with certain IDs, birth certificates, status cards, health cards. A lot of our individuals don’t have those IDs,” said Beach. Mushkegowuk Health staff are partnering with Mushkegowuk Firekeepers to distribute the donations directly to people in need. In mid-November, the team plans to visit locations where people are sheltering and deliver clothing, along with chili, Bannock, sandwiches and personal-care kits. “I just want us to kind of reduce the stigma that we have against our people who are struggling. One hot meal, one cold, one warm blanket could really change somebody’s day. So, I’m hoping that that’s what we can do for people,” said Beach. Organizers are seeking clean coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, mitts, blankets and sleeping bags. The health team said they are particularly looking for men’s clothing, including larger jackets and sweaters. Donations can be dropped off from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. during the drive next month – however, the office will be closed from noon to 12:30 p.m. each day. Monetary donations and children’s clothing are not being accepted as part of this drive.
