DTSSAB and CMHA-CT Mark Opening of Mainstay Transitional Housing in Kirkland Lake

Timiskaming District, ON — The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB), in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association – Cochrane Timiskaming (CMHA-CT), is pleased to announce the opening of Mainstay, a new transitional housing program in Kirkland Lake that will support individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability as they work toward stable, permanent housing.

Owned by DTSSAB and operated by CMHA-CT, Mainstay is part of the district’s growing network of transitional and supportive housing options designed to strengthen the local housing continuum. The program provides a supported residential environment where individuals will be required to participate in life-skills programming, housing support services, and other resources needed to transition successfully into independent living.

“Stable housing is a critical foundation for health and recovery. Programs like Mainstay provide community members with secure environments to safely build practical life skills, connect with services, and take meaningful steps toward greater stability,” said Paul Jalbert, Executive Director of CMHA-CT. “This initiative reflects the impact that strong partnerships can have in supporting people through complex challenges.”

“Mainstay represents another important step in strengthening the housing continuum across the District of Timiskaming,” said Jeff Laferriere, Chair of the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board. “By investing in facilities like Mainstay and partnering with experienced organizations such as CMHA-CT, we are helping ensure that individuals experiencing housing instability have access to the supports they need to move toward safe, stable, and permanent housing.”

Mainstay also complements other services within the district’s homelessness response system and supports a natural progression for individuals who may be transitioning from treatment and recovery programs, including services such as CMHA-CT’s Recovery Centre , into transitional housing before ultimately securing permanent housing.

DTSSAB has been working with community partners in recent years to expand transitional housing opportunities across the district. This includes the successful opening of Hope Haven, operated by The Salvation Army in 2022, as well as additional transitional housing initiatives in the southern portion of the district in partnership with CMHA-CT.

“Our board continues to focus on solutions that address housing instability in a meaningful and sustainable way,” said Mark Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer of DTSSAB. “Expanding transitional housing options like Mainstay helps create a pathway for individuals to move from crisis toward stability. These investments are part of a broader, coordinated approach that recognizes housing as a key component of health, well-being, and community resilience.”

The expansion of transitional and supportive housing reflects both provincial priorities and best practices identified through research and national initiatives focused on addressing homelessness. Evidence-based approaches to addressing homelessness have been widely documented by national organizations including the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, Built for Zero Canada, and the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, which emphasize coordinated housing systems, supportive housing, and strong community partnerships as critical components of reducing homelessness.

Through collaborative efforts, CMHA-CT, DTSSAB, and their partners continue to advance evidence-informed approaches that support individuals experiencing homelessness while strengthening the overall housing system across the district.

About the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Cochrane Timiskaming
CMHA-CT provides accessible public mental health and addictions care to community members across its vast catchment area. The organization offers many services, notably, case management, addiction, justice, and housing support, supportive peer groups, and public education. CMHA-CT’s mission is to help people living with, and touched by, mental illness in providing the supports and services needed on their journey to happy and fulfilling lives. This mission is something CMHA-CT strives to accomplish through education and advocacy for a caring community where everyone belongs. Further information on CMHA-CT’s available programs and services can be found at www.cmhact.ca.

About the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB)
The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) is responsible for the provision and delivery of Ontario Works, Children’s Services, Housing Services and Paramedic Services (emergency medical services and community paramedicine) in the district of Timiskaming. The district consists of 23 municipalities and various unorganized townships.

Media Contacts:
DTSSAB
Michelle Sowinski
Communications and Executive Coordinator
communications@dtssab.com

CMHA-CT
Callie Renouf
Communications Specialist
communications@cmhact.ca