A former seniors home in Dresden is being put to use, helping those left homeless in the wake of an apartment fire in Chatham.
Park Street Place Retirement Residence closed its doors earlier this year after its license was revoked by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority. Published reports say the facility was sold to a Southwestern Ontario business magazine in July.
Municipal officials now say say a limited-time deal has been reached with the new owners to use the building as temporary housing for those affected by the August 25th fire at 99 McNaughton Avenue West.
Officials say the property will provide stable housing for up to 50 tenants, some of whom have been staying in local hotels since the fire.
Staff are now working to relocate impacted residents and will offer placements until restoration of the apartments have been completed. Transportation will also be arranged for all residents being relocated to the Dresden site.
To date, staff have assisted 35 tenants with alternate housing options while an additional 25 tenants have found their own options.
