In 2019, two District staff members, Shawn and Leanna Kerswell, and their family experienced a terrible tragedy when their son, Alex, died by suicide.
He was a young man experiencing mental health issues, and their family could not access the help they needed. Leanna and Shawn (and their son Chris) want to ensure that Alex (below) is never forgotten.
Since this tragedy, staff at the District have wanted to do something to support the Kerswells to honour his memory. In that spirit, District Council passed a resolution brought forward by staff to name the Home For Good youth housing facility “Alex’s Place” in honour of Alex. The Kerswells were extremely touched by this proposal when it was announced at District Council on Monday, March 21, 2022.
“Council was so pleased to pass the resolution that was brought forward by District staff,” said John Klinck, District Chair. “Renaming the Home for Good housing facility after Alex Kerswell honours his memory and supports Chris, Leanna, and Shawn’s work to keep Alex from never being forgotten.”
A plaque will also be installed by the door with a message from the Kerswell family: “In honour of Alex Kerswell. May his memory live on through the lives that are touched as they walk through the doors of Alex’s Place.”
About the Youth Housing Project
Alex’s Place is a “homelessness-focused” program that supports innovative local solutions for people experiencing homelessness. It is located at 49B Pine Street in Bracebridge and focuses on young people aged 16 to 24 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The program provides safe, affordable, and supportive temporary transitional housing for youth while preparing and looking for a permanent and stable housing solution.
To learn more about the Home for Good project, please visit: www.muskoka.on.ca/en/housing/transitional-housing-home-for-good.aspx
Alex’s Place would not be possible without provincial funding and the support of partners in the community. Onsite services for young people living in the building will be provided by the Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka, along with the District of Muskoka Housing and Homelessness staff and Ontario Works staff.
Other organizations, such as the Bracebridge Public Library have generously provided accessories for Alex’s Place to make it feel more like home for the residents. Between now and April 22nd, the Bracebridge Public Library is hosting a Giving Tree Program, where members of the community can take a leaf off the “tree” and purchase an item written on the leaf for the residents of Alex’s Place.
Mental Health Supports and Resources
Alex’s Place provides some programming support to youth, but it does not provide extensive mental health services. Instead, the District works with community partners to help connect those in need with mental health resources. For links to these resources, please visit: www.muskoka.on.ca/mentalhealthsupport
