The Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK) keeps plugging away, trying to find housing solutions to reduce homelessness, but it's not easy.
A staff report going to CK's council on Monday evening recommends taking another crack at finding a community partner interested in operating emergency shelter beds, rather than building a shelter on municipal property.
Previously, the municipality received no bids to operate a shelter and had to do so on its own.
"Administration has worked to build partnerships with community service providers who may now be ready to offer emergency shelter services, if capital and operational funding is available," the report stated.
The municipality estimates operating 75 emergency beds would cost $2 to $3 million annually.
Administration noted the municipality has recently bought some properties, but staff have not recommended developing emergency shelters at any of these sites because they would require "substantial time and financial investment."
Staff also noted that no municipally owned buildings are suitable for renovation into emergency shelters, a traditional shelter may not meet the needs of all individuals and families, and emergency shelter services may also be required in communities outside of Chatham.
"Given current and projected demand, it is unlikely that a single location or provider could meet the community’s needs," wrote staff.
Housing officials reported an average of 34 individuals entered homelessness each month last year, demonstrating the need for more emergency shelter spaces, along with other forms of housing to meet the demand.
The tiny homes in Chatham are full and currently support 50 people with ongoing case management, but the waitlist has more than 80 individuals.
Municipal housing officials said the homeless crisis affects all residents and is placing significant strain on the community.
They also noted that homelessness has grown at an alarming rate over the past five years mainly due to the rising cost of living, frozen wages, long wait lists for support, and drug addiction.
The municipality said many individuals living in encampments require supportive housing and are unable to stay in shelters because they require a higher level of care.
Housing stability is also recognized as a barrier to accessing treatment for substance use, according to the municipality.
"Without appropriate supportive housing options, these individuals will likely continue living outdoors," said housing officials.
A 2025 housing needs assessment noted approximately 350 housing units are currently required to address the existing needs across Chatham-Kent, with projections indicating that 456 units will be required by 2030.
Two local meetings were also held in January to discuss filling gaps and reducing the time between detox, treatment, and recovery.
Municipal staff heard that bed availability is not a barrier to accessing treatment; it's the length of time between the touchpoints within the system that causes people to fall through the cracks, often left with little to no support while they are waiting for their next service.
