Homelessness doesn’t punch a time clock; it’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To that effect, the municipality will install its CK Homeless Response Line Aug. 1.
It’s a joint community initiative between Chatham-Kent Housing and the Homelessness Committee.
Valerie Colasanti, director of employment and social services with the municipality, said this past winter drove home the need for 24-hour access for C-K’s homeless.
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Because it was so cold, a lot of people were concerned about the homeless,” she said. “But we didn’t want to open a shelter as the cost of bricks and mortar is just too high. We’re following a housing-first plan trying to get folks permanent housing.”
The phone line, reachable by calling 519-354-6628, will connect callers to a live person between 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. during the week and 24 hours a day on the weekend.
“We’re getting more help for police, social service agencies and churches. They just didn’t know what to do on the weekend if people were homeless,” she said. “After hours, that’s often when emergencies happen, families break down, etc.”
Callers will be screened and diverted to safe, alternative housing or referred to local emergency accommodations, according to a press release. Callers will also be referred to local community supports and services for assistance in finding stable, long-term housing.
Colasanti expects the line to be utilized.
“We think people will call. We do know there are homeless out there. We also know it will fluctuate – there may be weeks when we have no calls at all,” she said. “If we had a shelter, it would be empty, but we’d be paying staff. We’d rather put money into finding people permanent housing.”
She said the municipality’s long-term plan for helping local homeless citizens is to finding people a place to live, rather than offer a stopgap shelter as a solution.
Colasanti said the line could be of use for people who are staying with friends.
“Even people who are couch surfing sometimes can stay where they’re at if they have access to services the next day,” she said.
