Indigenous-led partnership aims to address homelessness in Timmins

Indigenous-led coalition unites First Nations, municipal leaders & service providers in the Cochrane district as homelessness has doubled to nearly 500 people.

Officials in Timmins say homelessness across the region has more than doubled since 2023, with nearly 500 people at the end of 2025 experiencing homelessness.

The recently created Community Leadership Table, led by Mushkegowuk Council, includes First Nations leaders, municipal representatives and regional service providers working to address homelessness, housing instability, and wellness.

The initiative follows Mushkegowuk Council’s declaration of a state of emergency last November.

Deputy Grand Chief Natasha Martin said the partnership is focused on Indigenous leadership while working alongside municipalities in the region.

“Definitely an Indigenous-led table, where we’ll be working with the municipalities of the area. One thing I really want to convey is Indigenous people know how to take care of Indigenous people.”

Fragmented responses

The goal is to move beyond fragmented responses and create a regional plan that reflects how people access housing and services across the district.

Brian Marks, Cochrane District Services Board chief administrative officer, said a long-term strategy is needed to create lasting solutions.

“While the need is immediate … 2025 demonstrated that a lack of strategy often leads to reactionary policies that don’t last,” Marks said.

“We need the strategy so that we can solve this issue one person at a time, in a meaningful way.”

The coalition will continue its work through the summer, with leaders expected to meet again in the fall following the municipal election to map out long-term solutions.