Progress is being made towards creating a community of tiny cabins to support those experiencing homelessness in Chatham.
Municipal officials say servicing of the site at the intersection of Park Street and Hyslop Street has been complete, including sewer and electrical lines, and the ground has been prepared, and piles have been installed where the cabins will be placed.
The cabins will be assembled offsite before being delivered for installations. Work has already begun on a community building and washrooms, with installation onsite expected soon.
Officials say the cabins project has experienced minor delays due to weather and supply chain issues, and is expected to be complete by July 31, 2025.
The cabins will replace the current emergency homeless shelter on Murray Street, with a lease extension of the Victoria Park Place (VPP) coming before council to allow time to relocate shelter residents, staff, and equipment to the cabins site.
Since opening in 2022, VPP’s 44 beds have operated near full capacity nightly, underscoring the need for transitional housing options in Chatham-Kent. The new cabins program, approved by Council in 2024, will offer 24/7 staffing, security, case management, life skills training, and referrals to permanent housing resources.
