A brand new transitional housing facility has officially opened its doors on the third floor of the former SCITS high school property in Sarnia.
The Anchor is a drug-free residential space geared toward those recovering from addiction, and/or experiencing mental health struggles, financial hardship, divorce or homelessness.
Residents can live there for up to 18 months while they get back on their feet and can move onto a permanent home.
A media conference was held recently to show off the 150,000 square foot space which features a gym, laundry facility, lounges and eventually a kitchen space.
There's a strong focus on long term independence by giving residents a structured daily routine in a safe, respectful and encouraging environment.
There are educational workshops, mentorship and peer support, nutrition and meal planning and a priority on healthy living.
Hughes Intelligence is spearheading the private initiative which isn't receiving any government funding at this time.
President Barry Bentley said right now there are 20 spots, but they hope to eventually expand to 40 or 50.
"We have one individual in there now," said Bentley. "He had a medical condition with a double heart bypass and was living out of his car to try and heal. That's just unacceptable so we did the paperwork and got him in."
Bentley said residents have to be somewhat self sufficient.
"If you're on Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or social assistance and you're staying there, you're not transitioning and you're not for us," he said. "If you're there and you're transitioning maybe you just need that plus a part time job. They're all allowed to make $1,000 a month on top of their payment. That fits you into this category with extra money to spend in your pocket."
Bentley said he'll be using his community connections to help residents move forward into the job market.
"Once we get the kitchen up, I've got Red Seal chefs that will teach these people," said Bentley. "I'm integrated with every small business in the town. I was born here and have been here for over 60 years. I know, because I've spoken to them, that if I tell them I have people that would really like to work part time in the kitchen they would say absolutely. I know I can get business owners help with stocking shelves and even coffee shops a part time shift here or there. Eventually, individuals will get the confidence and go after the jobs they want."
Bentley is hopeful The Anchor will be an "extreme advantage" when it comes to helping with Sarnia-Lambton's housing shortage.
"Our subsidized housing is way behind the eight ball so everybody is scrambling for affordable housing," he said. "There's a big push, and we've seen it take a year or 18 months before you see any semblance of these buildings coming up. Then, depending what happens with the economy, that could go in a positive or a negative way and I think it's very volatile. That housing would be the next step for people who graduate from here, and we'll likely be able to fill them as they build them. I think they're being built on a slow roll because that's just the way it is. We're going to supply a demand for those housing opportunities as they get built."
The Anchor offers classes like CPR, food handler certification, financial literacy, independent living skills and more, and residents are required to complete 12 hours of monthly community service.
Bentley said they're also looking at having Red Cross come in and teach everyone first aid which is a great life skill to have.
Right now, the famous SCITS Auditorium is closed off but Bentley is hopeful that one day they can reopen the space to feature guest speakers and potentially acting opportunities for residents.
The televisions around the building show MindWave programming which features positive motivational content, and calm soothing music.
The starting price for rent is $1,275 per month, which includes one meal a day, and it increases slightly for more meals.
The Anchor is a registered non profit and is moving toward charitable status.
It is a completely separate entity from the Bluewater Health HART Hub that opened earlier this year on the second floor.
More details, and a form to apply for The Anchor's waitlist, can be found on its website.
