Centre 105 Executive Taylor Seguin is seen in front of the board on which plaques carrying the names of individuals, organizations and business Centre who have made a donation of $100 to the Centre 105’s Sponsor a Shower Tile fundraiser board. Thompson Goddard Photo

CORNWALL – With housing costs, food and clothing increasing as well as a rising unemployment rate and housing shortage, there are a lot of people in the local area finding it more difficult to make ends meet. Thanks to the work of agencies and organizations whose volunteers and employees who seek to assist individuals during their time of need, hope for a brighter future continues to be felt.

These organizations include House of Lazarus, Community Food Share, the Salvation Army, Agape Centre, as well as several other community groups and Centre 105 in Cornwall Centre work collaboratively with other agencies to ensure assistance is provided to those in need. Centre 105 is located at 105 Second Street in a space which is rented from Trinity Anglican Church and is a Community Outreach Program of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa.

It began in 2017 with Reverend Peter Cazaly who had served as a chaplain to Ottawa’s Centre 454 and responded to a similar need in the Cornwall area. Executive Director Taylor Seguin noted how social interaction is an important part of the services at Centre 105, with clients able to socialize in the dining area, engage in games or when weather permits enjoy some time outside in a recently constructed area called Larry’s Place which resulted from a collaborative effort between staff and clients.

The program provides an opportunity for clients to enjoy a hot breakfast, an opportunity to shower, socialize, have a rest or sleep on cots located there or sign up to use laundry facilities in a safe, non-judgemental environment. Seguin mentioned there is no designated homeless shelter in Cornwall, and it would appear there is a similar lack of accommodation for those without a home in the counties.

Centre 105 received support from local businesses and individuals who make donations, with assistance with financial reporting received from the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. In spring of 2023, it was announced that Centre 105 would receive funding from the Trillium Fund which was used for much needed renovations which included the updating and creation of laundry, washrooms and shower facilities which included painting.

The executive director, kitchen coordinator, dishwasher and social support worker are all employees of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. Seguin mentioned there are generally 15 volunteers at Centre 105, and often there are placement students from St. Lawrence College. He continued how everyone works together forming a cohesive team which is dedicated to ensuring the centre and its clients needs are met. Seguin noted how it has become apparent families with young children are struggling in this economy, with their clients representing a cross section of the local community.

Eat-in or take-out breakfasts are served at Centre 105 beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with the space available between 8 a.m. until noon to clients. The Agape Centre provides a free lunch Monday through Saturday, with the St. Vincent de Paul Society as well as the Salvation Army operating food banks for those in need. He mentioned the Agape Centre has a Kibble Cupboard for pets, with the Lighthouse providing access to free clothing to clients and on Fridays the community library partners with recovery care, with a nurse and addictions counsellor available.

More information on Centre 105 and other community organizations designed to assist those in need are available on their Facebook and social media sites.

Thank you for the support!

 

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