The municipality is one step closer to getting a new temporary homeless shelter in Chatham to move people out of the John D. Bradley Convention Centre.
However, the location isn't being warmly received by some local residents.
On Monday night, council voted in favour of entering a two-year lease agreement with the Chatham Banquet Hall and Conference Centre, located at 280 Merritt Avenue, for the purposes of a temporary homeless shelter.
The shelter was initially set up at the Bradley Centre in April after it was noted by General Manager of Community Human Services April Rietdyk that the number of visibly homeless people had increased substantially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Rietdyk, around 40-50 people have been staying at the shelter during the pandemic.
The proposed location of the new shelter brought some concern from neighbouring residents, who expressed worries about the impact that a homeless shelter could have on the area.
A deputation was read on Monday night that was written on behalf of multiple residents who object to the proposed location. It included a petition with 50 signatures from neighbourhood residents.
"This area is densely populated with a combination of apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes," stated the deputation. "We are sympathetic to the plight of the homeless in Chatham-Kent and acknowledge the growing need for a shelter. There is an undeniable correlation between homeless and drug abuse with mental health issues. The proposed location is unacceptable for many reasons and puts residents and risk."
The deputation also noted that the shelter would be in close proximity to Winston Churchill Public School.
"I have grave concerns with this in September with the kids going back [to school.] I know you said they could call the police but I just have a very hard time with this. I cannot support it," said Councillor Mark Authier.
Municipal Director of Employment and Social Services Polly Smith said the social services team takes several measures to help a shelter blend into the community.
"The concerns of the community were heard. What we did when we moved into the Bradley Centre to help with that was contact the neighbouring businesses, spoke with them and provided my contact information," explained Smith. "I also gave information on what to do in different scenarios. That is exactly what we would do in this situation."
Smith added that there will also be conversations with the school board to encourage a healthy merger with the shelter in the neighbourhood
According to Rietdyk, there were few other options to consider. Rietdyk added that the Merritt Avenue location would allow for community interaction and help individuals staying at the shelter move towards getting permanent housing.
"We certainly know that this is a difficult decision. We feel that this is, for a temporary location, the best location at this time that we have," she said. "The only other alternative is really to remain at the Bradley Centre which is not what's in the best interest of the Bradley Centre and everything that is required there. "
Councillor Marjorie Crew noted that regardless of where a shelter is located, there will be residents who object to it.
"It doesn't matter where we put it, the neighbours would not be happy," she said. "But I encourage them to say 'hi' when someone's walking by that doesn't look the way that you do."
The current shelter is open 24 hours a day with intake from 8 am and 10 pm. Smith said they would be looking at a new model after the move that is more housing-focused.
"We don't plan on closing per se, but we may only be offering different services during the daytime. It's based on best practices," said Smith.
At the time of the report going to council, the lease agreement had not been finalized. The cost for the lease is expected to be around $146,000 including utilities and maintenance per year for two years.
Ultimately, the recommendation for the Merritt Avenue location was approved 64 per cent to 36 per cent.
The municipality will also be looking at a more permanent housing solution.
An additional item was approved to consider Indwell as an option for a long-term solution for people in need of supportive housing. The report is to come back by the end of the year. On its website, Indwell describes itself as a "Christian charity that creates affordable housing communities that supports people seeking health, wellness and belonging."