In a matter of one week, 43 people have registered at the temporary shelter operated by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Employment and Social Services (CKESS) department.
The temporary shelter at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre officially opened its doors to the public on April 29, in an effort to help Chatham-Kent's vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shelter is able to accommodate up to 55 beds while using social distancing measures.
The municipality said some of the 43 families or individuals that have registered have been moved to area motels to accommodate their "unique needs".
Those at the shelter are being provided with three meals a day, clothing, and services which include mental health, addictions, and housing support.
Some of the services available are thanks to a partnership between CKESS and the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit. Other organizations within the community have also stepped up to help, including NeighbourLink, Free Help CK, Sandwich Guys/Street Friendz, Hope Haven, and ROCK Missions.
"We have faced some challenges but the quality of the services that we and our partners have been providing after only being operational for a week is inspiring," said Polly Smith, director of CKESS, in a statement. "It’s a Chatham-Kent thing, and by that, I mean municipal staff and community partners are willing to go way beyond expectations."
The temporary shelter has received provincial funding through the Social Services Relief Fund, which has allowed CKESS staff to partner each person at the shelter with an assigned "worker" who will help them utilize other supports and find permanent housing. This initiative was also made possible through partnerships with the Salvation Army, Canadian Mental Health Association, House of Sophrosyne, and the CK Women’s Centre.
"A shelter is not home and it has always been our goal to house people. Each year CKESS helps over 1,200 people who are at risk of homelessness stay housed and over 200 homeless individuals obtain a place of their own," said Smith. "The goals of this shelter are to keep people safe from COVID-19 and connect more people to housing."
As previously stated by the municipality, the shelter is expected to be used for one to two months until an agreement in another location can be confirmed.
