A struggling men's shelter in downtown Chatham continues fighting to help the homeless.
Hope Haven will be opening as a warming centre this winter to keep those without a permanent roof over their heads warm. The shelter has been struggling to maintain its services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but will open its doors during extreme cold weather alerts to get homeless individuals out of the cold.
The United Way of Chatham-Kent said several local organizations who provide supports to the homeless community meet weekly around a virtual planning table to represent priority populations.
“One of the urgencies expressed at the table is a need for places for people who are living without shelter to keep warm – especially during cold spells,” said Karyn O’Neil, director of community engagement & operations at the United Way.
Another group at the table is Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services.
“The United Way’s COVID-19 social planning tables have brought faith-based, non-profit and government-funded organizations to work together. The ‘Out of the Cold’ partnership is a great example of our work on the homelessness table. We will continue to strive to avoid duplication and fill the gaps that exist for people who are experiencing homelessness,” added Polly Smith, director of CK employment & social services.
The warming centre is aimed at preventing death and other harmful side effects caused by exposure to the elements during a cold-weather event. These centres typically provide limited services such as a bowl of soup, beverages, and a place to sit. The centres can also act as a safe place for individuals and families that are newly or chronically homeless, or for those who temporarily cannot return to where they reside or are not using existing housing services.
Hope Haven is currently open three days a week from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., but they hope to expand services as the weather gets colder. The shelter offers food, a warm shower, a laundry facility, and a break from the weather. Executive Director Loree Bailey said the need is even greater now with the colder months coming and homelessness increasing as a result of the pandemic. Hope Haven has the room to provide this service, but it is in "great need" of volunteers to help supervise the facility while it's open, help serve meals, and do some cleaning. Bailey added they had nearly 75 volunteers before the pandemic, and now they are down to 12.
“People see homelessness and they want to help. The best way to make a difference is to join a group that’s doing the work – a group that has the system in place, the knowledge, and the tools. We have the tools. We can’t do this alone, but the impact we can make together is enormous,” said Bailey.
Anyone looking to volunteer can contact Hope Haven at 519-351-4010 or email chathamhopehaven@gmail.com for details.
