The United Way of Chatham-Kent and some of its partner agencies are getting some much needed help for those experiencing homelessness in Chatham-Kent.
Maple City Homes and its partners are donating $18,000 to support those in need in the community.
Trevor Mailloux, General Manager of Maple City Homes says he put out the call for help and the response was overwhelming.
“We get to go home at night, nice and warm, we have food, we take all the things we have for granted, these people have nothing.”
Mailloux says his original goal was to raise $10,000.
Karen O’Neil is the United Way’s Director of Community Engagement and Operations and says it’s a great collaboration to battle a difficult problem.
“It’s pulling together all kinds of community partners who are already doing this work,” O’Neil says. “Last year, everyone was doing little bits and pieces throughout the community, this year we all came together, we wanted to create a greater impact.”
The money is being divided between three organizations – Reach Out Chatham-Kent, The Sandwich Guys, and the United Way’s Winter Warmth program.
The United Way estimates there are roughly 87 people living on the streets on any given night in Chatham-Kent.
