The number of people experiencing homelessness has had a significant jump in 2020.
In a report being presented to council tonight, Employment and Social Services/Housing Services says there were 135 individuals and at least two families experiencing homelessness in Chatham-Kent last month, a 29 percent increase in total homelessness when compared to January 2020.
These individuals are currently staying in emergency housing, temporarily on someone’s floor or couch, or living rough.
Making the problem worse, according to the report, is that Chatham-Kent has a shortage of affordable housing, with market rents astronomically increasing. In 2020, average market rent for a one-bedroom
unit in Chatham-Kent was $938, 48 percent over 2015 rates.