Men’s Transitional Housing Program Officially Opens in Kirkland Lake

The Salvation Army is celebrating the grand opening of their new Transitional Housing Program in Kirkland Lake called ‘Hope Haven A Way Forward’.

The new residence is a six-bedroom duplex staffed and operated by The Salvation Army to support men as they move from homelessness to living in their own apartments.

The project is made possible through an innovative partnership with the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) with the financial support of the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Salvation Army Ontario Divisional Leaders Lt-Colonels Shawn and Brenda Critch attended the ribbon cutting.

Two Salvation Army caseworkers guide Hope Haven residents in learning the life skills necessary in maintaining an apartment and moving forward positively.

“We come alongside marginalized individuals and give them the tools to live independently. In the first six weeks residents are assisted with getting the proper identification, opening a bank account, finding a doctor, putting together a resume or filing their taxes,” said Lt Robbie Donaldson, Salvation Army Officer at the Timiskaming Community Church.

Residents are also assisted with underlying life issues such as mental health, physical health or addiction concerns. Once those issues are addressed, clients put together a plan that outlines the steps necessary to achieve their personal and professional goals.

In just six months since opening in May, Hope Haven already has client success stories, including one resident who stayed at the home for four weeks. He is now employed at one of the area mines and Hope Haven caseworkers are working with him to find him his own place to live.

Another youth client named Alex moved into Hope Haven, which gave him a roof overhead after couch surfing from home to home.

“It’s a very nice place. The first time I came in I was so happy to have a place to myself. The Salvation Army will always be there no matter how tough or how deep things get. They will always be there for you,” Alex says.

Lt Donaldson said The Salvation Army is committed to being an innovative partner in getting people housed and keeping them housed for life.

“The community has been very supportive of Hope Haven, and we will continue to be a transformative presence in peoples’ lives here in Kirkland Lake,” said Lt Donaldson.