By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
Bone-chilling temps are putting added pressure on Hope Haven, with at least 80 people seeking shelter from the cold each night.
As the only “official” warming centre in Chatham-Kent, the downtown Chatham facility is packed every night, according to general manager Loree Bailey.
“For these people, there is nowhere else for them to go,” Bailey told The Voice in a recent interview, adding people are often queuing up outside the door waiting for the Wellington Street facility to open at 7 p.m. They are provided respite for 12 hours, as they must leave at 7 a.m.
“We are seeing families, we are seeing people with dogs,” Bailey said, stressing demand has grown in the past month.
“It is a change from last year. For years there was a contingency plan with other warming centres such as the Victoria Park Place shelter,” Bailey said. “Now there is no backup. We are the plan.”
Bailey said that while some folks “come and go” during the night, many hunker down and sleep on mattresses on the floor, or on couches or recliners. While there, they can grab a hot coffee and toast, do laundry and maybe have a shower.
Officials have been working with the Chatham-Kent Police Service to keep things orderly and safe, she added, including keeping the adjacent municipal parking lot clear. Additional cameras have been installed inside and outside Hope Haven to increase safety.
“I think things are going really well in that area,” she added, noting security measures are working.
For people who want to help or donate, peanut butter and jam are always welcome, Bailey said, as are laundry detergent, monetary donations or gift cards for grocery stores. Blankets used by clients must be washed during the day before overnight stayers return.
Hope Haven is also open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, with lunch available for those who show up, and that’s also busy, Bailey explained.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent works in partnership with Hope Haven which has opened its doors overnight since November.
As of Dec. 31, there were 209 people on the municipality’s by-name homeless list. A total of 1,406 individuals are on the waitlist for affordable housing.
If you are experiencing homelessness or are in danger of becoming homeless, call 519-354-6628.
