With an increase in homeless people sleeping outside across Chatham, the municipality is dispelling myths that they're being bused in from out of town.
Chatham-Kent Director of Employment and Social Services Polly Smith said that is false information. She estimates only eight per cent of the 17-25 people currently sleeping in the cold are from outside of Chatham-Kent. She said municipalities are not in the habit of downloading their homelessness problems to other municipalities. She added the municipality pays for their return bus ticket when needed so they can be closer to family and required services. Smith also said accusations that nothing is being done to address the increase in homelessness during the pandemic is misinformation spread through social media. She added those who need or want help are being connected to community services.
“This is simply not the case. Employment and Social Services and numerous partners are reaching out every day to people who are homeless to offer services and provide basic needs," said Smith. "Individuals may choose to stay in the situation for a variety of reasons, including the right services or housing is not available, they are not ready or they prefer where they are versus the services offered. Further, there is a known shortage of affordable and supportive housing options. This has been a long time coming and will take time to resolve."
Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire said most of the homeless sleeping outside are down on their luck and some refuse services because they have addictions and/or have mental health issues or don't want to follow municipal housing rules. Shropshire said most of the homeless are clients of Chatham-Kent Social Services and added there are additional supports to help those with drug addictions or mental health issues.
"We have a number of those folks that we're trying to work with to find them permanent homes and that's happened a lot over the past year. We've accelerated our efforts due to our increased demands on the system and we're trying to get people off the street," said Shropshire. "Some folks resist having another place to go to stay. In some cases they just enjoy a certain level of freedom compared to some of the issues that they have to stay with."
Shropshire admits there are more squatters around Chatham this year but they leave when they're asked.
"For the most part, the majority of the people are just down on their luck and they need additional support and given the number of people that are homeless, there have been very few incidents where we have actually had to engage the police but they have been there and have responded when it's required," Shropshire said.
A few people who have been camping out next to the Value Village on Keil Drive in Chatham for a while were asked to leave by Chatham-Kent police on Thursday after complaints from store management. Public Information Officer Renee Cowell said officers have been called to that area several times in the past month regarding various complaints.
"Our Police Service is working with community partners to offer support and resources to those in need," Cowell added.
Anyone in Chatham-Kent who is experiencing homelessness or is in danger of homelessness should call Employment and Social Services at 519-351-8573. The public may also call this number if they see someone who appears homeless in a ‘new location’, who may not have yet been contacted. For after-hours homelessness emergencies call 519-354-6628.
