This Timmins, Ont., non-profit is opening a community centre for the homeless

DIY Community Health, a non-profit providing health and social services, is making strides toward opening its new mutual aid centre near downtown Timmins, Ont. 

"We're really an organization based on people with lived experience," said Jason Sereda, president of DIY Community Health's board. 

"I'm someone who has lived with chronic depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder for the better part of my adult life," Sereda said.

"I'm someone who's accessed services, who's dealt with the stigma of trying to access services, but also somebody who's worked within the sector… I'm also somebody who uses substances, and while I am in active recovery right now, I do think that there's a lot of lessons that people like me and others with lived experience can share."

Sereda said his lived experience led to DIY Community Health and the mutual aid centre. 

"We can't just wait for things to get done. Sometimes we need to come together as a community and work together to create the solutions and the programs we want." he said, describing the "punk rock element" of their philosophy.

The new centre, located on Algonquin Boulevard just two blocks west of city hall, has undergone extensive renovations to prepare for its opening. Approximately $80,000 has been invested in upgrades to make the facility suitable for welcoming people with various needs. 

Key renovations include the installation of a community kitchen, two accessible washrooms, and one accessible shower, as well as two laundry stations, a private office, and a counselling space. Critical updates to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems have been made to meet building codes and accessibility requirements. Fire barriers have also been installed to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

The centre is expected to open at the end of the month. It will operate during the evening hours until enough volunteers are available to expand operations to a 24/7 schedule. The facility will serve as a hub for health services, educational resources and social support. 

"We know that homelessness is increasing in our province, and we wanted to be part of the solution in creating a healthier and safer community for all," said Sereda. "The way we see the mutual aid site fitting into that is by creating a safe place where people can come together, support each other and support recovery for our community."

Philip Mauro, a volunteer with DIY Community Health and owner of Jan's Closet, has also contributed significantly to the project. Mauro serves as an outreach worker and primary contractor for the centre's renovations, which he is doing for free.

"When I was younger, 16, and I was depressed and not really hanging out with the right people, I didn't know what that meant at the time," Mauro said. "My family wasn't around to support me and I used pharmaceutical substances for depression and street substances."

Due to that struggle. Mauro said, it's important for people who have recovered or are in the process of recovery to offer those insights to people who are trying to do the same.

The thrift store, Jan's Closet, shares the building with the mutual aid centre and plays a crucial role in the initiative. DIY Community Health and Jan's Closet collaborate to ensure equitable access to clothing and household goods while also fostering opportunities for community members to gain support and develop vocational skills.

DIY Community Health encourages community members to get involved by donating funds, contributing food to the community fridge, participating in activities or simply stopping by to share a warm smile.