Chatham-Kent residents with questions or concerns about the location of the municipality’s emergency homeless shelter are being given a chance to have their voices heard.
The municipality is holding two information sessions at Studio One at the Chatham Cultural Centre on March 29 and April 6, regarding the homeless shelter that will be located at the former Victoria Park elementary school on Murray Street.
“We want residents in the area to be able to come to the meeting, provide input and ask questions about how the shelter will operate,” said Polly Smith, Chatham-Kent’s director of Employment & Social Services, in a news release.
During its meeting on March 21, Chatham-Kent Council voted in favour of relocating the homeless shelter from the Travelodge in Chatham to the new location on Murray Street. The municipality’s emergency shelter beds program with the Travelodge is set to end on May 31.
A total of 23 deputations were heard ahead of the council vote, with several residents voicing opposition to the shelter’s location and expressing concern over the lack of public consultation. Many also said not enough time was given to allow residents to have their concerns addressed.
“We understand that the issue is moving quite rapidly, and we want to make sure people have the facts,” said Smith.
Initially, CK administration had recommended a partnership with Hope Haven, which would have seen the emergency shelter open at the facility’s location in downtown Chatham.
Smith said she is asking the public to view the video of the council meeting discussion from March 21 by clicking here. The discussion on the emergency homeless shelter begins at the one-hour, ten-minute mark.
“We understand some residents have concerns and viewing the council video will answer some questions and possibly provide helpful information prior to the community meetings,” said Smith.
The public meetings on March 29 and April 6 will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.