One of the organizations helping many of Chatham's homeless move from the community's biggest encampment doesn't believe there'll be any issues.
Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K.) is working on finding new spots for unhoused people to stay so the Municipality of Chatham-Kent can start slope stabilization work on the Thames River.
Those living at the encampment have until Monday to leave.
"We don't anticipate a lot of pushback or people causing quote-unquote trouble," said Renee Geniole, the executive director of R.O.C.K.
If any problem arises, Geniole believes it's more likely it'll be caused by people against the encampment. She explained she's seen a lot of angry rhetoric directed at the homeless.
As of right now, Geniole is unsure whether anyone has left. R.O.C.K. workers have been spending the past couple of days talking to people at the encampment about the options they have.
"Many of them will just be moving within the community. We do have some locations that we at R.O.C.K. have scouted out and fall within the encampment bylaws," she added.
Anyone can live outside in the public if they're at least 100 metres away from municipal playgrounds, water parks, splashpads, beaches, sports fields, elementary schools, childcare facilities, assisted living facilities, or other health or social service facilities providing support or care services to youth or vulnerable populations.
All encampments must be at least 10 metres away from any private property line.
When possible, R.O.C.K. workers are helping people find beds to sleep in.
Geniole explained they're also telling those at the encampment that the municipality isn't doing this out of spite.
"[We're] giving them the message that this a for sure thing but not a punitive thing, (the municipality) has to do this construction and this work."
Meanwhile, Chatham-Kent police will be at the encampment on Monday to ensure everyone moves from the area.