The Transition Cabin site in Chatham is about to open.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said the tiny cabins at the corner of Hyslop Street and Park Street in Chatham will be fully operational by August 20, 2025.
The $3.8 million project will replace the homeless shelter at Victoria Park Place in Chatham.
The homelessness crisis in Chatham-Kent intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic and a temporary emergency shelter was opened in April 2020. Council then approved the Emergency Transitional Cabin Program in January 2024 to provide structured, supportive housing to those who need it because homelessness kept rising in 2024. Administration noted more than 428 "unique households" experienced homelessness in 2024.
The 50 individual cabins, approximately 100 sq. ft. each, will come with a bed, a fridge, a microwave, climate control, a shared kitchen, shared bathrooms, and a community room.
The municipality said individuals experiencing homelessness who agree to a goal-oriented support plan will live there.
Pets are allowed, but must meet the municipal pet policy, said municipal officials.
Substance use is not a barrier to entry, they added.
Community safety is top of mind with administration saying the site will have 24 hour security, staff trained in de-escalation and trauma-informed care, and be near services and distant from schools and daycares.
According to the municipality, support and programming will also be available at the tiny cabin site with 24 hour case management by Housing Services, life skills training, mental health and addiction services, and housing outreach.
Participants pay a program participation fee or rent based on Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program or Rent-Geared-to-Income, said officials.
Access to cabins is based on the By-Name List and the Coordinated Access framework, administration noted, adding that there are no reserved spots and prioritization is based on need.
"This new transitional housing site marks a major step forward in addressing homelessness in our community. [It] will offer individuals experiencing homelessness safety, stability, and support with an end goal of improving lives and moving residents forward towards permanent housing," said municipal officials.
They also said future expansions will require council approval.
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The public can call 311 for general inquiries, according to the municipality.