An advocacy group for those experiencing homelessness in Chatham-Kent has found a new location for its drop-in centre in Wallaceburg.
Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K.) announced on Monday afternoon they have secured a new site at 233 Nelson Street that will ensure the continuation of "vital services" to the community. Once it opens, the location will serve as Wallaceburg's hub for R.O.C.K.'s ongoing efforts of providing food, harm reduction supplies, hygiene products, community connection, and a safe, warm place to go seven days a week.
R.O.C.K. Executive Director Renee Geniole said 120 individuals are served each week in Wallaceburg through their outreach program, which will continue to operate once a week.
"The community of Wallaceburg has always shown solid support for R.O.C.K. and the work that they do," said Geniole in a news release. "The drop-in centre is a vital resource in the community, offering physical and emotional support to the individuals it serves. R.O.C.K. is excited to embark on this new chapter at the updated location. This move represents their unwavering commitment to providing a safe and supportive space for those who rely on their services."
According to R.O.C.K., funding to continue its operations comes from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and a donation from a generous local family that wasn't named.
Geniole said the new drop-in centre is set to open its doors in mid-April, welcoming both existing and new visitors. The official opening date will be announced in the coming weeks.
Reach Out Chatham-Kent announced in early February it was closing the drop-in centre on James Street in Wallaceburg at the end of March because the United Way of Chatham-Kent withdrew its funding and the partnership with the 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre (7GICFC), where the drop-in centre was located, came to an end.
