Chatham-Kent is going to purchase 50 transitional cabins to house those experiencing homelessness

The municipality currently has a temporary emergency homeless shelter, but the lease on Victoria Park Place ends in May of 2025.

With council’s approval, municipal officials will send out a request for a proposal to buy the cabins, made out of shipping containers.

Council Marjorie Crew said the cabins are the way to go. Crew said the cabins are transitional, supportive, private and safe.

“It’s traumatic enough to be homeless, but (cabins) gives you dignity and it humanizes people and it gives them the opportunity to recover from homelessness,” Crew said.

The final capital costs for the cabins, along with recommended locations, will come back to council for future authorization.