Lt-Col Brenda Critch, divisional secretary for spiritual life development, and Lt-Col Shawn Critch, DC, Ont. Div, attend the ribbon cutting at Hope Haven

In October 2022, The Salvation Army celebrated the grand opening of a new transitional housing program in Kirkland Lake, Ont., called “Hope Haven: A Way Forward.” 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.

The new Hope Haven 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 apartment. Caseworkers guide residents in learning the life skills necessary to maintain an apartment and move forward positively.

“We come alongside marginalized individuals and give them the tools to live independently,” says Lieutenant Robbie Donaldson, corps officer at Temiskaming Community Church in New Liskeard, Ont. “In the first six weeks, we assist residents with getting the proper identification, opening a bank account, finding a doctor, putting together a resumé or filing their taxes.”

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

Since opening last May, Hope Haven has already had several client success stories, including one resident who stayed at the home for four weeks. He is now employed at a local mine and Hope Haven caseworkers are working with him to find his own place to live.

Hope Haven gave Alex, another youth client, a roof over his head 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,” Alex says. “They will always be there for you.”

Lieutenant Donaldson says 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 people’s lives here in Kirkland Lake,” he says. 

Photo: Michael Methot

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