A proposal to expand the homeless shelter in downtown Chatham has been sent back to administration for further review.
After some discussion, Chatham-Kent councillors decided to refer the report Monday in order to be presented with all of the information needed to address the housing crisis in the community.
"The issue under consideration is for temporary emergency housing, which is a different model of housing but one which is a critical part in the overall housing continuum," said Councillor Karen Kirkwood-Whyte. "We need both."
Kirkwood-Whyte followed up by presenting the new motion to have the report come back to council no later than April 4 or sooner at a separate meeting. The motion passed 16-1.
"We need to hear more about these additional options and provide staff with enough time to give council the information we need to make the very best decision we can make," said Kirkwood-Whyte.
Concerned about the looming deadline at the Travelodge Hotel, Councillor Melissa Harrigan worried about the timeline running a risk in finding a temporary solution to continue providing emergency housing.
"It is a concern, but we are really going to move forward very, very quickly looking into these alternative solutions," said General Manager of Community Human Services April Rietdyk. "We have a deadline looming in front of us with the Travel Lodge and we do need to find some alternative shelter options prior to leaving the Travel Lodge."
Councillor Michael Bondy raised the question asking if Hope Haven would still be included as a potential option for emergency housing.
His question was followed up by Rietdyk by assuring Hope Haven would still be included as an option.
"Hope Haven has been an absolutely amazing partner over the pandemic and we hope to continue that partnership as long as possible," said Rietdyk. "I too, hope that Hope Haven will be a part of whatever option council chooses."
