The municipality continues the challenging job of helping those dealing with homelessness around Chatham-Kent.
CAO Don Shropshire says the issue has been thrust into the spotlight by the pandemic.
“In any given year, there’s normally about 75 people that are on our radar as being homeless,” Shropshire says. “With the onset of COVID, a number of people that were staying with family and friends were requested to move out of those accommodations and onto the street, and our visible homeless population has increased to over 300 this past year as a direct result of COVID.”
Shropshire says a number of myths and untruths are being spread, including the idea that those who are living on the streets of Chatham-Kent have been bussed in from out of town.
A statement issued by Chatham-Kent Director of Employment and Social Services Polly Smith says while there are a few individuals living rough in Chatham-Kent from out of town, it is a very small number.
Partners estimate between 17-25 people are currently ‘sleeping rough’ in Chatham-Kent and ESS data shows that approximately 8% of those are from outside of Chatham-Kent. Municipalities are not in the habit of downloading their homelessness problems to other municipalities.
Social Services throughout Ontario will however pay for transportation to enable individuals to return to their home community when needed. This helps people who find themselves stranded to return to family and services where they more likely to be successful.
Shropshire says people you might see “living rough” on the streets have all been connected to community services.
“Some of the folks need additional supports and maybe they’re not capable of living independently,” Shropshire says. That includes those who may suffer from mental health or addictions issues and have refused temporary housing supports.
“Those are definitely on the radar, and the Employment and Social Services staff in particular are working with those folks all the time, and that’s also augmented by our Social Housing staff.”
Anyone in Chatham-Kent who is experiencing homelessness or in danger of homelessness should call Employment and Social Services at 519-351-8573. The public may also call this number if they see someone who appears homeless in a ‘new location’, who may not have yet been contacted. For ‘after hours’ homelessness emergencies call 519-354-6628.