Chatham-Kent’s only homeless men’s shelter is celebrating its first anniversary. 
Spokesperson Wanda Bell says it’s been a year of growth and learning for Hope Haven.
“We have grown from probably 20 committed volunteers to 61,” Bell says. “When we first opened we didn’t know how many men were going to come. The first few days and months, we had an average of 3, sometimes just one, but now we have an average of seven to eight men every night.”
The average stay of each man at the shelter is 21 days. The facility serves men from across the municipality, the majority – 47% – in the 36-49 age range.
Bell says while they receive lots of donations of food, clothing, and other supplies for the shelter, they are always in need of more financial support and volunteers.
Financial donations can be sent to the office of Chatham Hope Haven, 183 Wellington Street West, P.O. Box 363 or made online through the website.
Inquiries about volunteering can be made at 519 351-4010 or by email at chathamhopehaven@gmail.com.