Staff continue to struggle meeting the demand for affordable housing, but continue to combat the problem with new initiatives.
Over 25,000 individuals or families who had insecure shelter received some kind of service or support in the past year. Another 15 affordable homes will be constructed by 2018, but officials say that still isn't enough.
Ontario currently provides around $120,000 per new unit, which Director of Housing Services Shelley Wilkins says needs to be stretched out.
"Do you choose to help six families out one time, or choose to add another affordable housing unit that will be feasible for 20 years? That's the balancing we're doing."
Chatham-Kent Council has approved the permanent hiring of two new Community Relations Workers stationed in Chatham and Wallaceburg. Director of Employment and Social Services Valerie Colasanti says they'll be connecting residents with the services they need.
"Make sure the folks have someone to help them with the application, or get them to an appointment or tell them about the mental health program, so they can remain housed."
Talks of building a homeless shelter have come up in the past, but staff say upkeep would cost 40% more than affordable housing.
