Zack's Crib continues to take shape
EDITOR'S NOTE: The chief administrative officer of the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board was incorrectly named in the original article which was first published September 27, 2023.
Zack's Crib, a shelter for both men and women who are experiencing homelessness, is getting close to opening.
The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) has been a partner in getting the new facility open in New Liskeard, assisting the board which was spearheaded by a group of volunteers headed by Yves and Lianne Paille whose son Zack has needed a shelter in the past.
DTSSAB has assisted the project with obtaining funding and at other phases of the project, which got started in 2020.
DTSSAB Housing Manager Steve Cox related at the board's September 20 meeting that the facility at 183 Broadwood Avenue near Lakeshore Avenue is nearing completion and "does have great curb appeal."
He noted to the board that a two-metre high privacy fence has been established between the building and a neighbour's property.
In the building itself there will be a triage area, a main entrance and reception area, a community room with couches and a television. There will also be a kitchen.
Sleeping pods (privacy areas for a bed and its occupant) have been constructed by Three H Furniture Systems and one room will have two pods, one room will have four pods, and another room will have six, providing capacity for 12 people at any given time. There will also be an isolation room, three washrooms that will be unisex, an examination room, a spiritual room, and a laundry room.
Cox noted that those leading the project are "very happy with TBK Construction and Etienne Rivard."
DTSSAB chief administrative officer Mark Stewart commented at the board meeting that Cox's work on the Zack's Crib project "has been more than a part-time job." Stevens congratulated Cox "on all his hard work."
Darlene Wroe, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Temiskaming Speaker
