Officials overseeing the new homeless shelter in Chatham reports that "things have been going quite well" since the transition was completed from the Travelodge two months ago.
Director of Employment and Social Services for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Polly Smith told CK News Today that both staff and those who use the shelter on Murray Street like the new location and they especially enjoy the private congregate space inside and out.
Smith said 65 individuals have received temporary emergency services at Victoria Park Place since it opened on June 1, 2022 and 10 of those households have moved from the shelter into long-term housing. She also noted that a total of 42 households experiencing homelessness were housed during that period through the coordinated access to housing system in Chatham-Kent, also known as CK Cares.
"While these numbers are encouraging, we continue to see new individuals and families fall into homelessness each week as incomes have not kept up with the costs of housing, and as evictions occur due to the sales of properties," said Smith. "At Victoria Park Place, we have had either no waitlist or only a small one to quickly assist those who want and qualify for our emergency housing program at Victoria Park Place."
Smith also said that there have only been few issues since the move and some issues in the neighbourhood are not related to the shelter. CK News Today has learned that on occasion some individuals have been caught sleeping on nearby porches, but Smith said they are not from Victoria Park Place.
Smith reminded the public that those who use the shelter are denied entry if they are either drunk or high or both.
"I can’t speak on any one individual situation due to confidentiality requirements. Access denial mostly happens over the phone and on site it tends to be without problems. We have had some positive feedback from neighbours and have been able to quickly resolve the few minor issues with neighbours that have arisen," she said.
Smith shared one example of a minor incident. She said some discarded clothing items that appeared to come from someone staying in the shelter were left on the edge of someone’s property, but they were cleaned up by staff upon notification by the home owner.
Smith also said that promised police patrols in the area seem to be adequate.
"From what I have observed, police do seem to be patrolling the area several times a day, which we too appreciate as we did experience some minor thefts by passersby of stayer [user] items left outside," noted Smith.
Neighbours with any concerns can call 519-351-8573 and ask for a manager involved with Victoria Park Place.
Cooling stations are again open due to the hot weather to help anyone who needs it.
Next month, guest speakers selected by the users are also set to give presentations on community services, supports and activities.
Chatham-Kent residents experiencing homelessness can call the Homelessness Response Line for help at 519-354-6628.
For information on the homelessness prevention program or help with eviction prevention, utility or rent arrears, residents can call Employment and Social Services at 519-351-8573 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.