Home 99.1 News R.O.C.K. Launches Homelessness Response Toolkit

R.O.C.K. Launches Homelessness Response Toolkit

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A local organization is working to help others in the community support those experiencing homelessness.

R.O.C.K, or Reach Out Chatham-Kent, has designed a Homelessness Response Toolkits for local businesses, organizations, and area residents better understand and engage with local homelessness response efforts.

Adapted from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association’s (OBIAA) Homelessness Response Toolkit, R.O.C.K.’s version expands beyond BIAs to serve business owners and community members across Chatham-Kent who may feel disconnected from or unaware of the homelessness response in the region. Officials say the goal is to provide practical guidance, reduce stigma, and encourage compassionate and informed interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness.

The kit also includes a quick reference postcard, with information on who to call in specific situations, including phone numbers for outreach services, sharps clean-up, shelter, and other essential resources, ensuring that businesses and community members have immediate access to support when needed.

According to statistics compiled by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the number of people experiencing homelessness in CK has jumped 171% since 2019, with between 75 and 100 people staying in 10 known encampments across the municipality.

Anyone interested in having a Homelessness Response Toolkit is asked to contact R.O.C.K. at 226-627-6163, [email protected] or a digital copy can be accessed at www.reachoutck.com/resources.