Timmins Living Space shelter opens new space for clients committed to change

Timmins' Living Space shelter starts a new program providing a private, quiet space for homeless clients committed to goals like sobriety & finding housing.

A new program at Living Space, a local drop-in centre and shelter for people experiencing homelessness, is offering dedicated support for individuals focused on achieving self-sufficiency. Dubbed ‘The Launch Pad,’ the initiative provides a private, communal space for clients committed to personal growth and working toward independent living.

A separate space for focused growth

The Launch Pad is situated on the second floor of the Living Space facility. It features a secure private entrance, a kitchenette, a television lounge, a work desk, and sleeping quarters that residents are encouraged to personalize. The area is designed to be a quiet, calm environment, intentionally separated from the main drop-in centre to minimize potential distractions or triggers.

Operations Manager Trista Gough explained the program’s client-directed approach.

“Anything a person feels they need to accomplish to be successful and become independent, it could be sobriety, it could be education, work, reconnecting with family counselling, whatever they feel their need is and, what’s lacking for them,” she said.

Early participation and common goals

The initiative launched earlier this month and has already seen nearly a dozen clients meet the requirements for access. Niki Carol, a client care navigator for Living Space, has observed a shared sense of purpose among participants.

“Everyone has a unique story, but even with such different backgrounds and stories, they can all come together for one common goal so it’s nice to see,” she said.

Clients outline their paths forward

Three clients currently using The Launch Pad shared their motivations and goals with CTV News, each emphasizing their commitment to preparing for permanent housing.

Eric Godmaire highlighted the shift in priorities the space allows.

“Because usually when you’re homeless out there, your goal is to feed yourself and, you know, hygiene isn’t even a priority, right? So, you know, being up here allows us to, you know, give us, opportunities to volunteer to, you know, get back on a routine and, get back healthy,” he said.

For Linden Lazarus, who moved to Timmins from Fort Albany, the program is a foundation for sobriety and education.

“I’ve been getting a lot of support with these guys and I’ll be going back to school soon, hopefully getting a house sooner,” said Lazarus, who is pursuing a goal of becoming a paramedic.

The Launch Pad also serves as a safe bed admission point for individuals recently discharged from incarceration. Client Kyle Nichols is focused on rebuilding his family life.

“You’re given a place where you can, you know, work towards proper goals, you know, being able to be housed, have my children in my care, be able to be with my wife, you know, instead of, you know, whatever happens to so many families like just, you know, I mean, people actually want to help themselves,” he said.

Support and structure are key

Participants are expected to adhere to specific guidelines designed to foster responsibility and progress. These include presenting sober, attending weekly meetings with a case worker, working consistently on individualized goals and maintaining regular check-ins with staff.

Client care navigator Ryan Rocheleau detailed the supportive process.

“We’re trying to work on helping these clients get back on their sleeping schedule, and then slowly in time, we’re slowly trying to have these more deep conversations like, the gentleman here were just explaining and with these conversations, we’re able to properly align them with the right agencies, the right supports, right programs,” he said.

Accessing the program

Individuals interested in accessing The Launch Pad program are encouraged to visit the Living Space facility to complete an intake form or speak directly with a member of the organization’s team.