The Municipality of Chatham-Kent says some progress has been made to reduce homelessness across the municipality, but more work is needed.
CK Manager of Housing Services Jennifer Crowell reported hundreds of local households have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in housing benefits and other supports and services.
Crowell's report also cited Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K.) provided outreach 636 times to 14 locations in Chatham-Kent last year, connected with a total of 4,265 individuals experiencing homelessness or living in deep poverty, resulting in 224 of them getting help to improve their health and housing.
Chatham Hope Haven provided over 29,000 meals in 2024, along with showers, laundry, telephone, and internet service.
However, she said the growing need for affordable housing has not diminished since the COVID-19 Pandemic and the number of individuals experiencing homelessness continues to increase because housing remains unaffordable for the most vulnerable in the community.
She noted the Centralized Waitlist for Housing Services in CK continues to grow with approximately 1,396 households currently waiting.
The average wait time for a unit is estimated to be over seven years, Crowell said.
She also noted an individual working full time in Chatham-Kent making minimum wage and living in a one-bedroom apartment is estimated to be spending approximately 43 per cent of their annual income on housing, leaving little left over for other necessities.
"Despite our best efforts and dedicated work, homelessness continues to grow. This is due to various complex factors that result in challenges to move individuals out of the system faster than seeing new individuals enter," said Crowell.
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHA), the average market rent for a one-bedroom unit increased by 82 per cent between 2018 and 2024, while incomes have remained largely unchanged.
Crowell cited in her report going before council on Monday night that an average of 33 people entered homelessness in any given month in 2024, while only 19 exited.
The Victoria Park Place emergency shelter in Chatham provided 16,665 beds to 267 unique people in 2024, she noted, but it will shutdown at the end of this month.
A new transitional cabin program will replace Victoria Park Place to shift the focus from emergency housing to transitional housing to prepare individuals to enter long term housing.
"Housing is a human right, according to both the Canada and Ontario government. However, funding from the Provincial and Federal governments to support this right has not been adequate," the report stated. "The Municipality will continue to seek opportunities to increase emergency, transitional, supportive, and deeply affordable housing options for citizens of Chatham-Kent while maximizing current funding options."
The report also showed that marginalized groups, including racialized groups, people with mental health or substance use disabilities are over-represented in shelters and encampments in CK and staff seek to provide safe, affordable shelter and housing for those who need it.
Health and Human Services said staff adhere to a “Housing First” approach as stable housing is key to improving health and wellness.
"Behind everyone supported by Housing Services is a person with lived experiences and unacknowledged strengths who is struggling to survive in the face of system exclusion and discrimination," stated the report.
Click here to see the full report.