After more than a year in development, a new shelter complex is set to open in Chatham in an effort to support the municipality’s homeless population.
The emergency transitional cabin program, entitled Pathways on Park, will be fully operational at its location on Park Street and Hyslop Street beginning August 20, however, it will begin accepting tenants within the next week.
The Pathways on Park complex is made up of 50 individual cabins that are around 100 square feet each. All tenants will have access to a bed, fridge, microwave, climate control, shared kitchen, shared bathrooms, and a shared community room.
“Someone having their own space where they can be at home, [where] they can take the time they need to prepare themselves for what is coming in the future, gives them their dignity, gives them the independence they need, and will really give them an opportunity to heal, recover and move forward,” said Kim Crew, the Chatham-Kent’s director of housing services.
The municipality said the program will be open to individuals experiencing homelessness who agree to a goal-oriented support plan. Pets will be accommodated, and substance use will not be a barrier to entry.
“We do consider this a substance-free common facility, so the expectation is that there is no substance use in any kind of common area, recognizing that individuals will be in their own space,” said Crew.
Those who have been residing at the Victoria Park Place shelter will be offered a spot at Pathways on Park first before the remaining units are offered to others, such as those living at one of Chatham-Kent’s encampments. Applications will be prioritized based on need, CK officials said.
All 44 of Victoria Park Place’s beds have been at capacity since the shelter was first opened in 2022.
“The transitional cabin program, Pathways on Park, will have a much more fulsome programming complement than we do at Victoria Park Place, simply because of opportunity and space,” said Crew. “[We’re] looking forward to much more opportunity with collaboration with community partners and having the space to do that.”
The site will be staffed by Chatham-Kent Housing Services, who will provide 24/7 case management, life skills training, mental health and addiction services, and housing outreach.
“We intentionally built in a full kitchen that we can do programming with participants working on cooking skills, grocery shopping skills, and really making sure they have the skills to move into independent living,” said Crew.
Chatham-Kent will also employ around-the-clock security personnel, and staff will be trained in de-escalation and trauma-informed care.
Those who live at Pathways on Park will be required to pay an occupant fee, based on income from Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, or the Rent Geared to Income subsidy.
The transitional cabin program was approved by CK Council in April 2024, at a cost of more than $3.8 million. The program is being funded through a 15-year internal debenture at four per cent interest.
According to CK Housing Services, there are 10 known homeless encampments within the municipality and over 240 individuals who are known to be homeless.
Those interested in applying to Pathways on Park are encouraged to call the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6628. Anyone with questions about the new transitional homeless site can call 311.
