A new program could mean a cleaner downtown while allowing people to gain work experience and build self-esteem.
The Pathways to Potential program has officially launched in Timmins.
It's geared to people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, explained Jason Sereda, Living Space Timmins executive director.
For the program, stakeholders have coordinated to create opportunities for people to engage in meaningful activities, said Sereda.
He said those activities include working to improve the "idea of social inclusion in our downtown core."
A new bin that Sereda described as the "Cadillac" of garbage bins will allow participants to clean up garbage, recyclables and sharps Downtown Timmins. People will also be helping at the Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins community gardens and other opportunities are being developed to help people get back into the workforce.
Participants will be paid $17 an hour “because Living Space does believe in the idea of living wage," said Sereda.
There is a volunteer component as well.
“It’s really about matching people with their goals and their skills. For some people they may not be looking for paid employment, they might be looking for opportunities to connect with volunteer programs or join a community group or whatever aligns with their recovery goals,” he said.
The first year is about getting the program up and running, said Sereda. The goal is to have about 10 participants and a handful are on board already.
While the organization has applied for a number of grants, Sereda said they haven't heard back about those.
“We’re really hoping to use this year just to demonstrate the success that can be achieved so that we can get the future grants in future years,” he said.
Pathways to Potential will be getting fully up and running in the next couple of weeks.
For the work that's been done so far, Sereda said there's been a great reception from community partners. Living Space guests are also eager to start working.
Downtown Timmins BIA executive director Cindy Campbell has seen the before and after of areas being clean up.
“It’s absolutely amazing the good work that they’re doing. They’ve been so well trained, we’re just thrilled to have them in Downtown Timmins,” she said.
