Citing a lack of funding, a local drop in centre to support those experiencing homelessness in Wallaceburg is being closed.
Officials with Reach Out Chatham-Kent, or R.O.C.K., say the Wallaceburg drop in centre will shut its doors for the final time on March 31st.
The non-profit agency says unforeseen challenges, including a withdrawal of funding from the United Way of Chatham-Kent and the end of a partnership with the 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre (7GICFC), where the drop in centre is located, lead to the decision.
The drop in centre opened in 2022 as a partnership between the United Way, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, and moved to the 7GICFC building in November 2024. The facility services roughly 20-40 people each day with food, harm reduction supplies, hygiene products, community connection, and a safe, warm place to go.
The organization’s outreach program will continue to operate once a week, serving 120 people in the community. Outreach in Chatham, Peer-2-Peer program, and Chatham drop-in centre will also continue operating five days a week.
R.O.C.K officials are now reaching out to the community in hopes of finding alternate sources of funding. Officials say monetary donations can be made online at www.reachoutck.com or in person at 39 Richmond Street in Chatham.