Folks experiencing homelessness in Chatham now have a option to get away from the chilly climate in a single day.
Chatham Hope Haven is opening its doorways from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each evening from now till at the least the tip of February.
Over the previous few years, the shelter would do that every time there was an excessive climate occasion. Loree Bailey, Hope Haven’s Basic Supervisor, informed CK Information At this time they could not afford to attend attributable to how many individuals are experiencing homelessness now.
“Somebody doesn’t want excessive climate to die from publicity and I’m actually fearful that’s going to occur this yr,” she stated.
Bailey defined she has been informed there are round 10 encampments and roughly 200 folks residing on the streets in Chatham. Due to these numbers, she knew her group wanted to assist much more.
“I might not need anybody to count on that this can resolve the problem of seen encampments. It is not going to. That’s housing for some people,” added Bailey.
Individuals who go to throughout 7 p.m. and seven a.m. may have a possibility to bathe, wash their garments, and luxuriate in a scorching meal.
As of proper now, Hope Haven doesn’t have sufficient funds to cowl the added bills of being open a further 12 hours a day. Earlier than, they’d open their doorways from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. with a whole lot of work being completed by volunteers.
Bailey defined they’re asking for $65,000 from CK council. This request is anticipated to be mentioned on the subsequent assembly on December 9, 2024.
“I’ve confidence in our council, we have talked extra previously 12 months about homelessness than we ever have and so they’ve proven that they are as supportive as they are often,” stated Bailey.
The shelter has additionally been receiving fewer donations than ordinary as a result of Canada Publish strike as many individuals ship cheques within the mail.
Bailey is hoping folks will as an alternative cease by in particular person throughout the day, from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. They’ll additionally e-transfer cash to the e-mail [email protected].
