On any given night, 75 households are in emergency housing in Chatham-Kent with several more waiting for a bed to become available.
With the cold weather here, Employment and Social Services has announced that Chatham Hope Haven will offer its services as an overnight warming centre in Chatham-Kent for another winter.
“In the event that temperatures reach -5 degrees Celsius for a sustained period, Employment and Social Services will post on social media and email community partners to advise that Chatham Hope Haven will extend their hours to 24/7 for the duration that the temperature remains below the set point,” Municipal officials said in a media release.
“In addition, Chatham Hope Haven will keep their upstairs chapel light on to signal to the community that they are open beyond regular hours.”
Chatham Hope Haven is located at 183 Wellington St. W., Chatham.
Transportation can be arranged for those that are outside of the downtown core, including other areas of Chatham-Kent, by contacting the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6628.
Municipal offices in Blenheim, Chatham, Ridgetown, Tilbury, and Wallaceburg will offer space for people to stop in, sit, and warm up during regular business hours, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Their locations can be found at https://www.chatham-kent.ca/services/Pages/Contact-Us.aspx or call 311 to inquire.
Additionally, Employment and Social Services will offer the same service at their main office lobby located on the 1st floor of the Community Human Services Building at 435 Grand Ave., West, Chatham during regular business hours, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Anyone can be affected by extreme cold-related weather conditions, depending on length of time of exposure to cold. Those especially at risk include:
– Older adults over the age of 65
– Infants and young children
– Outdoor workers
– Homeless persons, and/or those lacking shelter, warm clothing or food
During extreme cold weather, residents are encouraged to call or visit friends and neighbours who may be at risk, and keep pets inside.
For more information, see https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?on16
Anyone experiencing homelessness should call the homeless response line at 519-354-6628 (24/7).
