Options are being considered to transfer two municipal properties in Chatham into withdrawal management programs.
The Quiring Foundation has requested that 110 Sandys Street and 55 Croydon Street in Chatham be donated to them by the municipality to operate a 30-day stabilization and assessment program at 110 Sandys Street.
This (Phase 2) program would be a step-down from detox before individuals transition into a structured recovery program.
An information report going before Chatham-Kent council on Monday stated individuals would be offered a safe and supportive environment where they can rest, access basic care, and begin early support.
"During their stay, staff would assess needs, readiness, willingness, and the appropriate pathway forward," the report noted.
The Quiring Foundation would also like to operate a 90-day trauma-informed recovery program at both 52 Croydon Street and 110 Sandys in Chatham focused on healing, structure, personal development, and preparation for the next stage of recovery, staff said.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has told the municipality that it's not in a position to manage operations of a Phase 2 Withdrawal Management Program, but it anticipates opportunities to integrate their work into both a Phase 2 model led by another provider and the broader continuum.
The integration, the hospital said, could include enhancing clinical supports within the facility and co-creating clear referral and care pathways to enable a more blended and coordinated approach that supports individuals as they transition through different stages of their treatment and recovery.
The Quiring Foundation has already established a presence in Chatham-Kent through the Chatham Community Hope Centre, an outreach and drop-in program operating at 52 Croydon Street in Chatham, offering connections to services and supports, hot meals, and pantry services providing groceries, hygiene, and clothing to those in need.
Administration is working on a report for the August 10 council meeting summarizing the options for councillors regarding the potential transfer of the two municipally-owned sites to the Quiring Foundation.
The municipality said financial implications are pending the outcome of the upcoming report to Council on August 10.
