A Closer Look at Centre 105: More Than Just a Funding Announcement

A Beacon of Hope and Support in Cornwall, Ontario

Today, I attended a press conference at Centre 105, alongside dignitaries such as Nolan Quinn and Justin Towndale. Originally, the event was set to highlight a new funding initiative, but experiencing the centre’s vibrant activity shifted my focus entirely towards the essential services it provides.

As I arrived, the centre was bustling with its thrice-weekly breakfast service, a crucial offering supported by donations from corporations, individuals, and community organizations. This effort ensures that over 400 meals are served each week, all facilitated by a dedicated mix of staff and volunteers.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I realized that there were moments when a free hot breakfast would have made a significant impact on my day.

I had a long chat with Maria, the Chair of the Board who explained that the Centre, part of the Ministry of the Ottawa Anglican Diocese and housed within space rented from Trinity Anglican Church, offers more than just meal services. This centre provides vital respite for individuals facing homelessness or poverty, with laundry and cots available for use during breakfast times. “Some people come in exhausted,” said Maria, “so if there is a cot available, they can have a sleep until we close at 12.”

Beyond physical nourishment, the centre fosters a sense of community where people can find solace and access important counseling services. Every Friday, the Recovery Care Mobile Clinic makes a stop at Centre 105, providing visitors with access to an addictions counselor and a nurse, further supporting the health and well-being of those it serves.

The press conference announced a transformative $106,800 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, earmarked for constructing accessible washrooms and showers, which should be ready by the end of May. This development is not just an upgrade of facilities; it’s a significant step towards enhancing dignity and improving the quality of life for Centre 105’s visitors.

The commitment to dignity and community support is evident in the words of the dignitaries present. Justin Towndale expressed his congratulations, noting, “This is an important addition to Centre 105, which is providing critical services to our community.” Nolan Quinn emphasized the importance of the new facilities: “To have accessible bathrooms is extremely important… and thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for the funding that is definitely needed in our community.”

Taylor Seguin, the Executive Director of Centre 105, also remarked on the significance of the grant: “Today is a very special day in our short history. Today we celebrate the more than $100,000 capital grant that we received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. With this funding, we were able to hire Millennial Contracting, and we were able to construct two accessible washrooms and a shower facility here on the campus of Trinity Anglican Church. This project will help improve the health, hygiene, and self-esteem of the increasing number of vulnerable citizens in our city of Cornwall.”

And while the funding announcement was significant, the real story lies in the enduring impact of Centre 105. It stands as a cornerstone of support within Cornwall, profoundly affecting lives through dedicated, community-focused programs that champion dignity and empowerment for all its visitors.