Over 500 people visited Chatham Hope Haven overnight during the winter months.
The warming centre had opened its doors every night since the start of November, but officially returned to day-only operations on Sunday.
Over the four months, 518 stopped in at least once. The centre helped an average of 65 to 100 people every night.
Hope Haven General Manager Loree Bailey told CK News Today there was a big increase in the number of people who needed their help, though she didn't have exact numbers from previous years.
She explained it was hard not to see that many were struggling like never before.
"People are coming in colder, thinner, and in more mental health crises than we saw last year for sure," said Bailey.
She also went on to say that many were also struggling with substance abuse.
While Hope Haven was meant to be a spot for people to warm up overnight, the centre turned into a make-shift shelter.
"We had mattresses, and they would do the best that they could... just being happy to be somewhere that was warm and safe," explained Bailey.
In past winters, those living on the streets could use the Victoria Park Place Homeless Shelter. It was replaced with the 50 transition cabins.
Bailey noted the cabins are a great addition, but are limited.
To her, seeing countless people sleep overnight at Hope Haven proved that there's still a big need for an official shelter.
What it comes down to is funding, an issue Hope Haven is very familiar with.
The centre stopped operating overnight due to a lack of funds. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent provided funding for the centre to operate over the four months, with Hope Haven unable to cover the costs itself.
Bailey said closing the centre was one of the hardest things she's had to do.
"I see people in the parking lot waiting, hoping that we're going to be open... that's heartbreaking," she explained.
Moving forward, Hope Haven will continue to open its doors during the day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bailey added they have every intention of reopening overnight again during the next winter.
