Newmarket’s homeless shelter has a “big” idea to help its clients get back on their feet and it needs your help — and votes — to turn it into reality.
The Inn from the Cold has created a project it calls The INN Team, designed to help move people out of homelessness by providing them with work experience and training at local businesses, along with the necessary support to reach their potential.
The shelter has entered this program in a funding competition run by insurance company Aviva, known as the Aviva Community Fund. Up for grabs is a $100,000 funding prize that, if won, will allow Inn from the Cold to work with four teams of 10 homeless people throughout the year. So far, the idea has received 846 votes on the fund’s website.
Each 10-person intake on the INN Team will work on community beautification projects three mornings a week, help vulnerable seniors with chores such as snow shovelling, pick up litter around town, and assist local businesses with other work. They will also receive training opportunities that include Smart Serve, health and safety, food handling and more.
In addition, team members will get assistance with resume writing, personal grooming, soft-skills training, job search and interview support, and transit fare and coupons.
The INN Team project has already received a thumbs-up from the Town of Newmarket, downtown businesses and the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce.
The program also aims to reduce the stigma of homelessness and foster connections across the community by having the program’s team members wear INN Team safety vests while working so they are clearly visible.
“The INN Team is a project born out of a strategic planning process, and research on best practices, to improve outcomes for men and women experiencing homelessness, while simultaneously improving the broader community,” Inn from the Cold states in its funding application. “The INN Team will bridge gaps that exist in Newmarket for those who seek access and a sense of belonging to this wonderful community. Increasing poverty and homelessness are two issues that make full participation difficult.”
Here’s how you can help turn lives around in your community by getting the INN Team program off the ground:
- Go to the Aviva Community Fund website here
- Register and activate your account to receive 10 votes
- Once your account is activated, search for Inn From the Cold
- Select Inn From the Cold and cast your votes. If you wish to give Inn From the Cold more than one vote, slide the bar accordingly.
- Voting is open from now until Oct. 4.
