Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K.) will be closing its Wallaceburg drop-in centre on James Street next month.
R.O.C.K. said the drop-in centre will close effective March 31, 2024 because of unforeseen challenges, including a withdrawal in funding from the United Way of Chatham-Kent and the conclusion of the partnership with the 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre (7GICFC), where the drop-in centre is located.
It currently serves 20-40 people per day.
R.O.C.K. has been serving the community of Wallaceburg since 2019 by providing street-level outreach services, such as distributing food, harm reduction supplies, and hygiene products to those experiencing homelessness or insecure housing.
R.O.C.K. currently serves 120 individuals each week in Wallaceburg through their outreach program, which will continue to operate once a week.
The James Street drop-in centre was opened in 2022 in partnership with United Way of Chatham-Kent, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and Ska:Na Family Learning Centre and moved into the 7GICFC building in November 2023.
The drop-in centre provides food, harm reduction supplies, hygiene products, community connection, and a safe, warm place to go seven days a week.
"Unfortunately, R.O.C.K. is in the challenging position of not having the financial resources within the budget to sustain the operation of the drop-in centre in Wallaceburg," said R.O.C.K. Executive Director Renee Geniole. "Currently, there is no alternative for the drop-in centre. For those who depend on the services provided on a daily basis, there will be a significant gap in support. It is crucial for them to have access to these essential services."
R.O.C.K. is hoping that those in Wallaceburg will rally together once again and help in providing the funding that is needed to keep the doors of the drop-in centre open for those who need it the most.
Monetary donations can be made online at www.reachoutck.com or in person at 39 Richmond Street in Chatham.
"R.O.C.K. would like to express their gratitude to United Way of Chatham-Kent, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, and 7GICFC for their support over the years," Geniole said.
They also extend their heartfelt appreciation to their dedicated staff, volunteers, and the community for their unwavering support since 2019.
R.O.C.K. noted it remains committed to supporting the community through outreach services in Wallaceburg and Chatham, the Peer-2-Peer program, and by keeping the drop-in centre in Chatham operating five days a week.
