The first people to stay at the newly built transition cabins in Chatham have arrived.
Thirty-eight of the 50 cabins will be filled by the end of Wednesday, with everyone coming from the the Victoria Park Place Homeless Shelter. The shelter is scheduled to close its doors next week, with the cabins being built as a replacement.
Jennifer Crowell, CK's Manager of Homelessness Prevention Services, told CK News Today each was allowed to move in after agreeing to take part in a new program.
"So every participant is assigned an ongoing case manager that they're expected to have regular contact with. They'll work on identifying and working on goals they set for themselves that will lead them to long-term housing," she said.
Those with addictions will be allowed to stay as long as they continue to take part in the program.
There are still 12 vacant cabins. Crowell said municipal workers are trying their best to find people who want to move in.
"We have team members who are going to the encampments to engage anyone in services there, so if they're interested then (team members) will be able to make those calls and go through our process," she said.
Each cabin is roughly 100 sq. ft. and includes a bed, a fridge, and a microwave. Everyone staying in the cabins will also have access to a shared kitchen, shared bathrooms, and a community room.
