KAWARTHA LAKES-A Place Called Home emergency shelter in Lindsay, has received a generous grant of $23,016.16 from the 2025 Lindsay Legacy Chest Fund. This funding will be used to purchase eleven life-saving Brave Coop reverse motion detection systems, which will be installed in the shelter’s bathrooms. These systems are crucial for overdose detection, which is the first step in responding to an overdose.
Many overdoses could be reversible with the quick administration of naloxone. To be reversed, an overdose must first be detected and that is how this new technology will assist helping A Place Called Home staff keep everyone safe.
The Brave Coop system is a groundbreaking harm reduction technology specifically designed to detect signs of potential overdose through radar motion analysis while maintaining resident anonymity. If an alert is triggered, shelter staff are immediately notified, allowing them to quickly intervene and administer life-saving measures such as naloxone. The system’s features enable an immediate, private, human connection for overdose response, reducing stress on staff and risk of overdose fatalities for clients. By combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate care, Brave’s systems empower organizations to address the overdose crisis head-on. To learn more about Brave Coop systems, please visit www.brave.coop.
In partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes, A Place Called Home has recently increased its emergency shelter capacity from 19 to 30 individuals. The shelter program provides a safe place to sleep, and in conjunction with our drop-in services, provides meals, access to phone, laundry, shower, and bathroom facilities, as well as the opportunity to meet with qualified staff to develop a plan for increased housing security and stability.
“We are very grateful to the Lindsay Legacy Chest Fund for granting us these funds,” said
Angela Ricciuti, Executive Director of A Place Called Home. “Unfortunately, the use of illicit drugs has escalated to a level where our shelter staff are challenged to monitor up to 30 shelter residents and an additional 20 clients accessing our Drop-In Services. Not only will this invaluable equipment save lives, but it will enable us to continue to provide essential services to those who need it most.”
Those experiencing or at risk of homelessness should contact the shelter at (705) 328-0905.