North Hastings Community Trust is looking for some essential things for people in need this year.
The Trust’s Rural Outreach Community Kindness (ROCK) program is looking out for those who are homeless or have uncertain housing arrangements to help make their life easier. Items that are needed include toiletries, snacks that people can eat on the go, and hygiene products. In addition, because of the change of season, summertime items are required as well. These include tents, sleeping bags, tarps, flashlights and batteries, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, backpacks and socks.
The Donation Bin Project has been set up to collect all these items. Tracy McAllister, the Organizer of the Project, says there are several drop-off bins across North Hastings. In Bancroft, they are offering a bin at North Hastings Community Integration on Alice Street. Bins can also be found at the Community Trust location on Bridge Street, and at the Northern Rural Net offices on Hastings Street North. Locations outside of Bancroft include McArthur’s Mills Christian Fellowship and the Carriage House in Maynooth. McAllister says that she wishes they could put out more bins, but COVID has complicated things.
This time of year marks a transition for the homeless population in North Hastings. McAllister says that with the change of seasons, most have switched from couch surfing to outdoor living. The ROCK program wants to help protect these people and keep them safe. Already the outpouring of support has been great, with the community already donating generously. McAllister wants the program to go on as long as it can, and will take donations as long as the community keeps giving.