A men’s shelter in Chatham will once again offer its services as a warming center this winter season.
With the colder weather quickly approaching, Hope Haven has announced that it will act as a warming centre during extreme cold weather alerts.
The warming centre is aimed at preventing death and other harmful side effects caused by exposure to the elements during a cold-weather event. The centre can also act as a safe place for individuals and families that are newly or chronically homeless, or for those who temporarily cannot return to where they reside or are not using existing housing services.
Hope Haven is currently open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., but they plan to expand services around the clock as the weather gets colder. The shelter, which is located at 183 Wellington Street West, offers food, a warm shower, a laundry facility, and an overall break from the weather
"On any given night there are upwards of 75 households in emergency housing in CK and several more waiting for a bed to become available," a media release read.
Transportation can also be arranged for anyone outside of the downtown core, by contacting the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6228. Officials said staff will work with ROCK missions to coordinate transportation to emergency housing or a warming centre.
If you are or know someone in need of emergency housing, call the Homeless Response Line.
