As the temperature continues to drop heading into the fall and winter months, a Chatham homeless shelter is looking to the public to provide warm clothing for its clients.
Chatham Hope Haven is asking local residents to donate hats, mitts, coats, ski pants, winter boots, socks, and any other clothing that will help those less fortunate weather the colder months.
Janice Jackson, a volunteer at the downtown Chatham shelter, said the need for Hope Haven and its services has never been greater. She said the number of people attending the shelter each day has more than quadrupled in the last five years.
“We’re seeing between 60 and 70 people come and access the shelter daily, whether they’re using it for food, just to get out of the elements, whether they’re using it to take a shower, to do laundry, or to watch TV, access the internet, we have phones they can use… and they can get haircuts once a month too, absolutely free,” she said.
While Hope Have started as a men’s shelter, Jackson said there has been an influx of women needing their services as well since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, she said clothing for both genders will be needed.
Jackson added that there can be misconceptions about those who attend Hope Haven and that homelessness can affect people from all walks of life.
“Everybody seems to believe that everybody that attends Hope Haven is homeless and addicted, and that’s just not the case anymore. Yes, there are some people struggling with addiction that come there but we’re also seeing people who [can only afford] housing, to keep a roof over their head,” she said. “Because the housing market and the rental market have gone up astronomically in the last little bit, we are seeing people [who say] ‘I can afford my rent, but I can’t afford hydro, I can’t afford gas, and I can’t afford my food.'”
Those who would like to make a clothing donation to Chatham Hope Haven can do so at the shelter located at 183 Wellington St. W. Anyone with questions can contact the shelter at 519-351-4010.