Controversy continues to boil over a new emergency shelter site planned for an east Chatham neighbourhood.
Municipal officials were faced with another upset crowd Wednesday night during the second public consultation meeting on the future location of the shelter at at 185 Murray Street in Chatham.
The meeting started with a formal presentation from municipal officials, which was then followed by residents taking the floor and voicing their questions and concerns. Many were still up in arms over the plan that council approved on March 21.
Jane Robbins, a neighbourhood resident of five years, said she felt the meeting was a joke.
"They've already decided that they are putting it there," said Robbins. "They're not answering any of the questions that are being asked."
After speaking to the crowd, Robbins said she was concerned with regard to someone being turned away from the shelter at night.
"If someone is refused entry there because they are impaired, they don't know what happens to them then," said Robbins. "That makes me sick to my stomach."
According to a fact sheet available at the meeting, the facility has space for 50 emergency beds. The shelter would run around the clock with staff on-site, however, it does not include a drop-in service. Those experiencing homelessness would be admitted through a Homeless Response line.
"It is not a typical shelter," said Director of Employment and Social Services Polly Smith.
Speaking after the meeting, Greg Simpson, said he supported the fact the municipality needs to help those struggling, however, he felt no neighbourhood would be the right spot for it.
"I think that particular building has benefits and it has some risks as well," said Simpson. "The conversations about crime and kids on the streets, I have those same concerns."
As a minister at St. Andrews United Church in downtown Chatham, Simpson said he has had the opportunity to get to know people who are struggling.
"I think we have accidentally typified every person who is struggling as a criminal and that's the piece that I want to bring a different light to," said Simpson. "We as a community need to pull together and just help. The where it is [location], has to be where the people are."
The municipality has a lease agreement with a group of local investors until May 31, 2025. The agreement involves the municipality paying a nominal fee of $1 and also being responsible for covering the cost of necessary renovations, insurance, utilities and maintenance.
The program is expected to launch on or as close to June 1 as possible.
