Chatham-Kent will be losing some very much needed transitional housing soon.
A notice posted at the front desk of CK Extended Stay in Chatham stated the former hotel will be "closing completely down" as of July 31, 2023 for "full renovations."
Some who are staying at CK Extended Stay reached out to CK News Today saying they don't know where to turn and can't afford any other type of housing.
One female resident said her worst fear is being forced to pitch a tent somewhere.
Chatham-Kent's Director of Employment and Social Services Polly Smith told CK News Today she can't comment on a private business, but said losing dozens of transitional beds really hurts at a time when they are so desperately needed.
"Unfortunately it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the workings of a private business that I do not have a contract with," said Smith. "What I can say, is that all accommodations are desperately needed across Chatham-Kent. A loss of rooms anywhere, anytime is extremely problematic. Every time rooms or apartments are lost, there is a significant negative impact to those staying there and a negative impact to the community as there are not enough good alternatives available."
Smith said Employment and Social Services and Housing Services endeavor to assist anyone who is displaced from their accommodations and who have nowhere to stay via the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6628. That line is available 24 hours a day and anyone who does not have a phone can connect through service providers like Hope Haven, she said.
CK Extended Stay provides shared-room accommodation for people needing a temporary place to call home while they try to find a permanent residence.
The 40-room building is located on Michener Road at Grand Avenue and opened its doors on August 1, 2021.
The price for a room is $850 per month for an individual to share a room or $1,700 a month for a family.
Smith previously said CK Extended Stay is a housing alternative and is intended to be a short-term or transitional outlet for people that is cheaper than some other monthly hotel stays.
CK News Today has contacted CK Extended Stay manager Jody Jarrett twice, left messages, and visited the premises on Friday.
The messages have not been returned and Jarrett has not been at the office each time we've tried to contact her.