By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Due to the end of a major funding grant, R.O.C.K. (Reach Out Chatham-Kent) Missions is changing the way it operates.
This news comes the same week a large fire at the downtown Chatham encampment thrust C-K’s homelessness issue back in the public eye.
“It puts a spotlight on homelessness and outreach,” said R.O.C.K. executive director Renee Geniole, of the March 26 blaze that destroyed five tents.
“Those five people lost their tents and all their belongings,” Geniole added, noting Chatham-Kent Victim Services and other emergency personnel have been instrumental in helping victims pick up the pieces.
No one was injured in the afternoon blaze at Rotary Park near the Third Street Bridge in Chatham that occurred around 3 p.m. Firefighters responded quickly and promptly extinguished the fire.
“Within minutes of arriving at the scene, firefighters swiftly evacuated propane tanks from the vicinity and extinguished the flames,” Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue officials said in a media release.
According to Geniole, propane tanks – which can be seen lined up in photos – were a contributing factor. She admitted that using propane tanks is dangerous, but it’s also dangerous to freeze to death sleeping in a tent.
How R.O.C.K. handles its outreach going forward – including dealing with emergencies like the fire – is changing. Geniole said the agency’s Chatham location at 39 Richmond St. will be only be open for drop-ins on Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
In Wallaceburg, hours are being expanded at the drop-in centre located at 233 Nelson St., currently seeing between 45 to 60 visitors a day. Hours there are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Plus, the agency will continue to offer on-the-ground outreach, Geniole said.
“We had to pivot to continue to offer services,” she explained, noting the focus went to Wallaceburg as Chatham has other services upon which vulnerable people can utilize.
Geniole said the conclusion of a $710,000 grant from Health Canada led to the changes, but some funding will still be coming from Chatham-Kent and other government sources for opioid-related outreach.
“Our biggest concern is we’re having to cut back our drop-in hours,” she said of the funding loss. “I wish the province and the federal government would pay attention.”
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