By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Pathways on Park is ready to help a portion of Chatham-Kent’s homeless population chart a new course.
The 50-unit tiny-cabin transitional housing complex officially opens Aug. 20. The media was recently given a first glimpse into what the development has to offer.
Tidy 100-square-foot units, similar to small shipping containers, are lined up in neat rows at the corner of Park and Hyslop streets in Chatham. White aluminum siding graces the interior of each cabin, along with a bed, climate control, microwave and small fridge. Each unit is equipped with its own code lock for security – however, staff maintains access to all units.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Chatham-Kent director of housing Kim Crew told reporters at the tour. “I think the community is ready for some positive news. And some positive pathways – no pun intended – for the clients that we work with.”
A large common-use building houses laundry facilities and an industrial kitchen where residents can cook. The space has room for computers, an area for classes and office areas for case managers and administrators.
Two other structures provide washrooms and shower areas.
Ten of the units are accessible with a cement sidewalk built for access, and some of the washrooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility as well.
A green space with new grass poking up is located in the heart of the complex.
A wooden fence surrounds the cabins and heavy steel gates will guard the entrances. No guests are allowed inside the complex and clients must sign in and out with security staff that are onsite 24-7. Couples will be allowed to share a cabin and pets are allowed as long as they comply with municipal protocols.
According to Crew, providing people with their own space is key.
“It gives them their dignity and the ability to move forward,” Crew said. “We will provide the tools, the programming and skills that they need in order to become independent and successfully move out on their own.”
Staying at the cabin complex isn’t a freebie. Residents must be actively engaged in a goal-oriented support plan with a case manager and pay a portion of their income to participate. For those on the Ontario Disability Support Program, that’s around $600, with those on Ontario Works paying just under $400.
“In order for people to be living here, they have to be working at some kind of goal for self-sufficiency towards independent living,” Crew said, adding stayers will also be offered life-skill courses, such as cooking, to prepare them to live on their own.
Notably, substance abuse isn’t a barrier to staying at the complex but drug use isn’t permitted in any of the common areas.
“We do not expect sobriety in order to be a participant here,” Crew explained. “We will ensure that people are safe, the best that we can.”
Harm reduction supplies and Narcan will be on hand as well, she added, noting staff will encourage residents to access outreach supports. Staff are also trained in de-escalation and trauma-informed care.
But Pathways on Park isn’t classed as supportive housing, Crew said, describing it as “transitional housing with supports.”
Response from the neighbourhood has been encouraging, she added, noting most neighbours said the site exceeded their expectations when they were invited for a tour.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said the complex exceeded his expectations as well.
“This is a big step forward for Chatham-Kent,” he said. “We’re very excited. This is a great next step in our evolution of how we deal with homelessness. Five years ago, we wouldn’t even contemplate a facility like this. Five years later, we need one of these desperately.”
But more is needed, Canniff said, as the community, including the provincial and federal governments, must come together to collectively solve the homelessness problem.
Approved by Chatham-Kent council in spring 2024, the $4.3-million project will be paid through via a 15-year internal debenture at a four-per-cent interest rate.
C-K now joins Peterborough, Waterloo and Hamilton as the fourth Ontario community to create a tiny cabin transitional housing development.
Individuals currently staying at the Victoria Park Place shelter will be transitioned to Pathways this week, Crew said, followed by the onboarding of other individuals who are interested.
The municipality’s lease with the owners of VPP expires Aug. 20.
If interested in applying to Pathways on Park, call the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6628 or 311 for general inquiries. Information will also be posted on the Let’s Talk CK page.
