Chatham Hope Haven will once again opened its doors to house people overnight this winter on particularly cold nights.
Municipal officials said when conditions reach -5C for sustained periods, Hope Haven will offer the accommodations
“On any given night, 75 households are in emergency housing in Chatham-Kent, with several more waiting for a bed to become available,” a municipal press release said.
Hope Haven’s normal hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, allowing people to come in, get a hot meal, shower, do laundry, and get warm in the winter or cool in the summer.
But when the cold weather hits, it will extend its hours to 24/7 during deep freezes where temperatures are consistently below -5C, officials said.
Chatham Hope Haven is located at 183 Wellington St. W., Chatham.
Transportation can be arranged for those that are outside of the downtown core, including other areas of Chatham-Kent, by contacting the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6628.
Municipal offices in Blenheim, Chatham, Ridgetown, Tilbury, and Wallaceburg will offer space for people to stop in, sit, and warm up during regular business hours as well (Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Additionally, Employment and Social Services will offer the same service at their main office lobby located on the first floor of the Community Human Services Building at 435 Grand Ave. W. in Chatham.
During extreme cold weather, residents are encouraged to call or visit friends and neighbours who may be at risk, and keep pets inside.
