In an effort to curb homelessness in the community, Chatham-Kent staff are proposing a partnership between the municipality and a local shelter.
On March 7, the municipality’s Employment & Social Services (ESS) department will recommend that council support a partnership with Hope Haven to provide emergency housing for those in need. If approved, CK and Hope Haven will jointly deliver overnight shelter services at 183 Wellington St. West.
“Prior to the pandemic, Hope Haven provided overnight shelter for those experiencing homelessness in CK. In 2021, we served 12,049 visitors who sought meals, showers, laundry, internet, telephone and access to municipal case management and other supports,” said Loree Bailey, the general manager of Hope Haven, in a news release. “It feels like a very natural transition after five years of serving this population, that we welcome a municipal partnership at the Haven.”
Emergency housing is currently offered at the Travelodge Hotel on Bloomfield Road in Chatham. However, the provincial funding that supported the program is ending, along with the lease with Travelodge.
“There can be no question that an emergency program is needed in Chatham-Kent, and we are thrilled to continue to be a part of that,” said Bailey.
Ahead of the March 7 council meeting, the municipality will be hosting an online public meeting on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. and March 3 at noon to discuss the proposal with the community, listen to concerns and discuss how to address them. The meeting will be held on Chatham-Kent’s Facebook page.
“Many people in our community need help and support. They need a safe place to go and they need services to get back on their feet and into a permanent home,” said ESS Director Polly Smith. “We believe that together in partnership with Hope Haven we can build a program that meets the community’s needs and is part of a larger system of care.”
In addition to the Hope Haven partnership, ESS will also be releasing a request for proposals to local motel operators interested in working with the municipality to reserve a certain number of rooms for families and prioritized individuals.
