A local agency is opening its doors to the public this evening to show the work being done to help those experiencing homelessness in Chatham.
Reach Out Chatham-Kent, also known as R.O.C.K. Missions, is holding an open house to mark the first anniversary of its new Chatham location and five years of serving the community.
Peer-2-Peer Coordinator Margery Muharrem says one of the main goals of tonight’s event is to clear up any misconceptions about what the organization does.
“Harm reduction is not enabling the use of substances, which is a big misconception,” Muharrem says. “It’s supporting folks that are going to use substances and we just want them to have supplies that aren’t going to give further harm to them, like Hep C and things like that.”
Reach Out volunteers will be offering tours through the house to show what goes on behind the scenes.
Muharrem says the Chatham drop-in centre serves roughly 25-35 individuals each day, in addition to outreach services twice a week.
“It kind of reminds me, honestly, of a bit of a frat house, where we have folks come in, they’ll just sit and chat, watch tv, listen to some music, eat, shower, do some laundry. It’s kind of like anybody’s everyday house with multiple children.”
Tonight’s open house runs from 4 until 7 at 39 Richmond Street with dinner and live entertainment provided.