A downtown Chatham men's "haven" is expected to open overnight soon, but it still needs a few more volunteers before it opens the basement -- possibly in February.
The New Beginning House "haven" at 183 Wellington St. will be open between 7pm and 7am. The shelter will accommodate at least ten men on cots and possibly up to 30 more in sleeping bags during emergencies.
Shelter spokesperson Wanda Bell says volunteers need to meet certain criteria.
"Police checks are required," says Bell. "But basically we're looking for caring people who are willing to supervise the overnights and to be a listening ear, friendly, kind and just have a good heart.
"A 12-hour shift is a lot to ask so if we get enough volunteers we can even make it half shifts, six hours and six hours, but right now we can't do that."
