Heartbeat of the Hub #3: Danielle’s Story


Danielle’s Path to Stability: From Homelessness to Hope in the Oakes Stabilization Program

When Danielle moved into the Oakes Stabilization Program last June, she brought only a few belongings—and her dog, Quinn. What she found was more than just a roof over her head. It was a turning point—one that led her back to stability and a future she could build for herself.

Before arriving at Oakes, Danielle had endured months of hardship. She had lived in a toxic relationship that ended in homelessness. She also spent time frequenting local shelters, but the real challenge came when she spent 11 months living in a tent.

“I was manic and then began smoking crystal meth, which was the answer to all of my pain for quite some time. I didn’t know what was going on with me mentally. It was terrifying,” Danielle explains. “I didn’t want to live like that anymore, and when I was brought into the Oakes program, it felt like winning the lottery.”

Administered by Addiction and Mental Health Services – Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (AMHS-KFLA), the Oakes Stabilization Program has provided essential support to people transitioning from homelessness and crisis to safety and recovery. In January 2025, the program officially moved from the Seven Oakes Motel into its new permanent home at 206 Concession Street—a fully renovated 18-bed facility with private bathrooms and shared kitchen, dining, and lounge areas.

The Oakes Stabilization Program provides a safe and secure environment with daily staffed programming that allows residents like Danielle to work on mental health and substance use treatment while preparing for the transition to longer-term support.

With a nurse, three case managers, a team lead, and a manager employed onsite, the Oakes program specializes in providing trauma-informed care through a harm-reduction lens. Staff also support residents in setting both short- and long-term personal goals—from getting ID and withdrawing criminal charges to accessing treatment and ultimately securing permanent housing.

Jaymie, one of Danielle’s Case Managers at Oakes, emphasizes what’s required of individuals entering the program: “People have to be committed to making change regarding their substance use. We know that recovery isn’t linear—there are setbacks and breakthroughs. But when people are ready, we’re here to walk with them and help them meet their goals.”

Danielle’s ready now. With help from her HomeBase Housing worker, AMHS-KFLA staff, and local groups like Loving Hands, she’s just moved into her very own fully furnished, one-bedroom apartment in central Kingston. She’s looking forward to setting up new routines with Quinn and continuing her journey with the support of her workers—who will walk alongside her even after she’s moved out.

Still, the transition is bittersweet.

“I’ve been here 20 months. I’ve seen these people every day. It’s scary and overwhelming. I already feel a bit lonely,” she admits, her signature sense of humour softening the moment. “But I’m grateful. The support here is overwhelming.”

When asked if she had any advice for others considering a similar change, she offered: “You have to really want it. You have to really work at it. And you’ve gotta keep picking yourself back up,” she said. “It’s a big change—from being outside all the time to coming inside. But you have people to talk to who are so encouraging, and all the support you need is here.”

At the time of writing this post, the Oakes Program is home to 15 people—and a few furry companions, including three dogs, two cats, and a fish named Swim Shady. The community vibe is strong, and for many, like Danielle, it’s the first step toward something they haven’t had in a long time: hope.