Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services
435 Grand Ave W. PO Box 1230 N7M 5L8 Chatham, ON, Canada

Every person with lived experience of homelessness has a story! If we truly want to end homelessness in Canada, the voices of those with lived experience of homelessness need to be heard loudly. Recovery for All has produced this campaign video to highlight these voices. #endhomelessness #caeh https://fb.watch/3mNzIQcW1J/

The CK Community Job Board lists various positions that could be just what you're looking for! General Labourer Production Worker Commercial Cleaner... HVAC Service Technician Greenhouse Labour To view these & other jobs, visit: www.chatham-kent.ca/community-servic//community-jobs-board

Communities and homelessness services continue to be challenged by the increase of people facing homelessness during the pandemic. E&SS and community partners are reaching out every day to residents who are homeless, offering supportive services & providing basic needs.

Attention Chatham-Kent Employers! The Growing Your Workforce Conference is back for it's second year. The conference focuses on the challenges of Talent Attr...action, Retention, and Development in Western Ontario, and shares information on the development of localized solutions. The conference this year will look a little different: 1. It will be delivered on line 2. It will run February 9 and 10, 2021 (9 am to noon each day) 3. It will be completely free to attend - but you MUST register 4. Your registration will allow you access to many of the sessions after the conference ends We are pleased to bring you two full mornings of keynotes and local speakers who will share with you the innovative solutions they have created and found to address their workforce challenges. Please see the attached flyer for more information. Please visit the conference registration page here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T33YQ3S

Chatham-Kent has embarked upon several successful initiatives with the goal of ending homelessness and increasing housing stability throughout the Municipality. To view the CK Housing and Homelessness Report please visit https://www.chatham-kent.ca//chatham-kent-homeless-prevent #endhomelessness #CAEH

Please note: Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services (ESS) will be closed at noon (12:00pm) on Thursday December 24th, 2020 and will reopen on Tuesday December 29th, 2020. Any time our office is closed, the after hours Homeless Response Line is available for homeless emergencies within CK. Please call 519-354-6628 for assistance.

Salvation Army locations across Chatham-Kent will be closed over the holiday season. All locations will be closed at noon (12:00pm) on Thursday December 24th and will remain closed until Monday January 4th, 2021 at which time regular business hours will resume.

Premier Ford officially designated Santa Claus as an essential service provider and authorized to deliver toys, treats and good cheer to the children of Ontario. He also designated the Elves' Toy Workshop as an essential manufacturing business and authorized to supply Santa Claus with toys and gifts. Finally, Santa's Reindeer, including Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph, are proclaimed essential transportation service providers and permitted to pull Santa's sleigh across every part of Ontario. While this Christmas is different than any other, Santa is taking every safety precaution necessary and will continue to make his rounds.

Now, more than ever before, housing saves lives. This National Housing Day is an opportunity to redouble our efforts and recommit to ending homelessness, once and for all. We can't return to normal when we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Normal was 235,000 people across Canada experiencing homelessness and at risk of losing their lives for no other reason than a lack of housing. That’s why we’ve outlined three easybut very meaningfulactions you can take. Take action... here: https://caeh.ca/3-things-national-housing-day #CAEH #endhomelessness

A NEW service available for families in Chatham-Kent with children/teens ages 0-18. A private 1 hour session for one-to-one support with a Mental Health Support Worker is available to discuss your top parenting challenges, find support, problem-solve, and build skills. For more information or to make an appointment (either virtual or in-person) contact one of the agencies below: Chatham-Kent Children’s Services: phone 519-352-0440 or email [email protected]... WAYS: phone 519-784-3279 or email [email protected] See more

Chatham Goodfellows are once again trying to fulfill the commitment to families in Chatham-Kent, that there is No child without a Christmas. To apply contact: 519-354-1146, Mon-Fri between 9:00am -3:00pm Apply online at https://chathamgoodfellows.ca/online-application-toys-food/

Homelessness effects all of us and requires a coordinated response. E&SS and various community partners are working hard each and every day to change and improve lives in our community.

Struggling for ideas for family game night? Why not borrow a board game to play at home that the whole family can enjoy! CK Public Library members can now borrow quality board games to enjoy in the comfort of your own home! Visit: https://www.chatham-kent.ca//using-your-/board-games-to-go

CKESS is a proud partner in this program! CK CARES is a system that streamlines access to housing & support services for people experiencing homelessness. CK CARES partners continue to work hard every day to change lives & end homelessness in our community. #endhomelessness

Food insecurity is not having enough money to buy food and is a serious problem effecting many households and communities across Ontario. The Ontario Dietitians in Public Health (ODPH) Food Insecurity Workgroup is increasing awareness about the growing problem of household food insecurity in Ontario and the urgent need to advocate for effective responses. For more information check out the infographic below or visit odph.ca/centsless

People & organizations around the world participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise the visibility of transgender people & address issues members of the community face. Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov 20th, honours the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. #transgenderawarenessweek #ckpride #ckont #transgenderdayofremembrance #translivesmatter

Find fun ways to stay active with CK Recreation Virtual HUB! CK Rec has put together various tutorials, crafts, fitness activities, games, and virtual field trips to help you and your family stay active and have fun while at home. Visit: https://www.chatham-kent.ca/parks-/ckrecreation-virtual-hub

Job searching can seem overwhelming and difficult. The Community Job Board (CJB) can be a tool that makes it easier for you! Use the CJB to find local job postings, links to community resources and to have local jobs emailed directly to you! Visit: www.chatham-kent.ca/jobs for more information or to sign up for job alerts. ... For assistance please contact the CJB Experts at 519.436.1223 or email [email protected] (Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

Starting November 1, 2020 Ontario electricity consumers will have the flexibility to choose a billing structure that best suits their lifestyle and reflects their individual electricity consumption. Customers will have the option to choose between time of use or tiered rate billing structures. To learn more about the two options and to help determine which option is right for you, please visit: http://ow.ly/IVXu50BSeFX

Let's end homelessness for all Canadians...

Saturday November 21st at 12:00pm residents across CK can participate by placing a donation (a gift, non-perishable food, or clothing) on their front step for local volunteers to collect. All donations will be re-distributed locally to families in need over the holiday season.

Did you know that it costs a woman approximately $235/year to purchase necessary feminine hygiene products? This may not sound like much for the average Canadian, but for homeless and low-income women this cost adds up to a serious problem. To ensure that every woman has access to supplies they need, Women United & Chatham-Kent Labour Council are hosting their annual Tampon Tuesday Event! On Tuesday October 20, 2020 the parking lot of 425 McNaughton Ave W, Chatham will tra...nsform into a drive thru donation station. Those wishing to support but are not able to attend the event, please contact Marge Muharrem at [email protected] or 519-354-0430 ext 274

The CK By-Names List is a real-time list of everyone experiencing homelessness in the community and is the engine of our work to end homelessness! For more info check out: https://bfzcanada.ca/by-name-lists/ #BFZCanada #endhomelessness #housingishardmreduction #chathamkent

Ontario Public Library Week October 18-24th, 2020. Libraries and library partners across Canada take time to raise awareness of the valuable role libraries play in all of our lives. Celebrate with CK Public Libraries by checking out the new features they’ve added to library services & the benefits you can access with your free library card!... https://www.chatham-kent.ca//p/ontario-public-library-week

Dear CK residents...Exciting news! Starting this week, Open Hours will be offered in Chatham, Wallaceburg, and Thamesville branches! Visit to pick up holds, use a computer (by appointment) and browse our collections! Call 519.354.2940 for details. #CKont

You may qualify for a reduction on your electricity bill with the Ontario Electricity Support Program. Apply at www.ontarioelectrcitysupport.ca For assistance with your application speak to your Ontario Works Case Manger or contact The Salvation Army at 519.354.1430

We may not be meeting clients in person but we are still here to help with your job searching needs! Staff at the Employment Resource Centre are assisting individuals by phone & email to create, update, & review resumes and share valuable insight on job searching opportunities!

The Canadian government’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) includes an acknowledgment that housing is a human right. Without appropriate housing it is often not possible to get and keep a job, to recover from mental illness or other disabilities, to integrate into the community, to escape physical or emotional violence or to keep custody of children. Check out the link below to learn more about Canada's National Housing Strategy.... https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/nhs '#endhomelessness #chathamkent #housingisharmreduction #housingisahumanright

Job searching can be difficult. The Community Job Board can make it easier. Use the CJB to find local job postings, links to community resources and to have local jobs emailed directly to you! Visit: www.chatham-kent.ca/jobs for more information or to sign up for job alerts... For assistance please contact the CJB experts at 519.436.1123 or email at [email protected] (Mon to Fri from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Your future is just a click away!

Homelessness is a growing concern in communities across Canada, including our own community of Chatham-Kent. Individuals experiencing homelessness face a unique set of challenges and obstacles that can make moving out of homelessness much more difficult.

Operation Cover Up is happening again this year with the help of Salvation Army! Gently used winter coats can be dropped off & donated to one of the Salvation Army Thrift Store locations in Chatham-Kent or Jiffy Lube located at 45 Keil Drive S, Chatham from now until Saturday October 24, 2020. Winter items will be distributed between October 26, 2020 and November 14, 2020. Coupons are available at The Salvation Army Family Services Locations (Blenheim, Chatham, Ridgetown, & Wallaceburg) and the Tilbury Information & Help Centre.

Chatham-Kent is part of Built for Zero Canada because we know ending homelessness is possible. Watch this video and see if you can spot the CK BFZ team! http://ow.ly/2YZJ50Bnvyi

There are times in life when we realize the power of togetherness, and that time is now! #UnitedWeCan #TogetherWeWill #chathamkent

Ontario is kicking off Waste Reduction Week with ways to improve the blue box program. Suggestions include: expanding the list of items that can be recycled, transition the costs of the program away from Municipal taxpayers and expand the blue box services to include rural & remote communities. The Draft Blue Blox regulation will be posted for 45 days for public feedback, ending December 2, 2020. Check out the link below to give your input! https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-2579

Did you know the Community Resource Navigators have helped over 500 people learn to use their devices more confidently? You can reach the CRNs Mon - Fri (8:30 am -4:30 pm) at 519.355.1380 or by email at [email protected]

The CK Community Job Board has a number of positions that could be what you're looking for!! PSW/RPN Custodial Supply for LKDSB Warehouse Shipper/Receiver General Labour... Bookkeeper Administrative Assistant To view these and other jobs, visit www.chatham-kent.ca/communityservices/jobs

The COVID pandemic has caused a heightened need for mental health and addiction supports in the community. In response, the CK Health Alliance has increased hours at the Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic. This clinic provides low-barrier access to those seeking treatment and support for any substance-use disorder. Click the link below for more information. http://ow.ly/RKMk50BSsUm

Please note: Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services (ESS) will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Monday October 12, 2020. Any time our office is closed, our after hour's Homeless Response Line is available for homeless emergencies within Chatham-Kent - 519-354-6628.

Free fresh fruit and veg available from the mobile market. Read on for details. Thank you Prosperity Round Table and partners!

Thanksgiving might look a little different this year, but community partners are still offering free Thanksgiving meals throughout Chatham-Kent.

Interesting article on cell phones and homelessness . How can you get help without any connection to services?

The Municipality, along with community partners, are committed to finding creative solutions that allow more CK citizens to live in homes so everyone can enjoy all that this community has to offer. To learn more about the CK 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, please click the link below.... http://ow.ly/n8yY50Bnu2J

This year’s World Mental Health Day is tomorrow, Saturday October 10th. It comes at a time when our daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides on an opportunity to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma! For the first time ever, the World Health Organization will host a global... online advocacy event on mental health. Link to the event: https://www.who.int//world-me/world-mental-health-day-2020 #MIAW20 #endthestigma

Chatham-Kent EarlyON is ready to return to 'In-Centre' programs at the following locations: Blenheim Chatham Dresden... Pain Court Wallaceburg For more details on new enhanced measures and to REGISTER www.chatham-kent.ca/EarlyON

Today, the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) is launching the Canadian Lived Experience Leadership Network. If you’re a person with lived or living experience of homelessness or housing precarityjoin the network! Take 5 minutes to do it here: http://cleln.ca/join-us/

Where do individuals experiencing homelessness in CK sleep? Some sleep in 'unsheltered' locations such as in a park, in cars, or in sheds. Others stay in emergency 'sheltered' locations such as shelters and motels. While others are 'hidden homeless'. They are temporarily housed (maybe for a few nights or weeks) but have nowhere else to go when they leave, such as when someone is couch surfing or in hospital. Visit the 2018 Registry Week infographic for more information ...http://ow.ly/hbkt50BOfze #endhomelessness #chathamkent #housingisharmreduction

Housing First is not just a program - it's also a philosophy and a systematic way to end homelessness. It focuses on moving people who are experiencing long-term homelessness, into permanent housing as a first step. Please click on the video below to learn more about Housing First. @CAEHomelessness #BFZCanada #endhomelessness #chathamkent #housingfirstworks

Did you know the Community Resource Navigators helped almost 300 people complete online forms in 2019? The CRNs can help you with identification, accessing community supports, completing online forms, and more! You can reach the CRNs Mon - Fri (8:30 am -4:30 pm) at 519.355.1380 or by email at [email protected] ... Help is just a phone call or email away!!

Entegrus is serving Thanksgiving meals to go! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, individual Thanksgiving meals will be handed out at the Spirit & Life Centre at 184 Wellington St W, Chatham between 11:15 am and 12:30pm on Friday October 9th. https://blackburnnews.com//entegrus-serving-thanksgiving-/

Chatham-Kent libraries are helping you get your craft on with "Grab & Go! Free Arts & Crafts Kits". Kits include everything to make an at-home art project. Registration dates Oct 16th, Oct 30th and Nov 13th. Check out their website for more info! https://www.chatham-kent.ca//public-librar/programs-events

Employment and Social Services is a proud partner in this program! We are so grateful to all who signed up and are helping seniors in CK! https://www.tvo.org//how-do-you-recruit-personal-support-w

Effective September 8, 2020 the Temporary Shelter will be closed. If you require assistance, please visit the E&SS office at 435 Grand Ave W Chatham, ON or call (519) 351-8573 Mon -Fri from 8:30am - 4:00pm. After 4:00pm, please call the HRL at (519)354-6628.

Chatham-Kent has a 311 customer service line where you can access information about CK Programs and Services! The Municipality continues to focus on expanding customer service options for our community - online, email, etc. For more info, please visit www.chatham-kent.ca/news.

Wishing all of our staff and community partners in the helping professions a happy labour day! YOU make a difference.Wishing all of our staff and community partners in the helping professions a happy labour day! YOU make a difference.

Please note: Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services (ESS) will be closed on Labour Day, September 7, 2020. Any time our office is closed (evenings, weekends, and stat holidays), our after hour's Homeless Response Line is available for homeless emergencies within Chatham-Kent - 519-354-6628.

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. Let's raise awareness of #Overdose and #EndStigma of drug related deaths. #CKDAC #IOAD2020

CERB has been extended until Sept 26, 2020. The Government of Canada has also changed the criteria for Employment Insurance and added various benefits to help support your family through Covid-19. Please visit www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits for more information on these programs.

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. The words we use matter! "Sometimes the words we use to describe substance use can cause stigma that hurts our community. These words shape opinions, create negative stereotypes, influence how people are treated, and can stop people from getting support."... #CKDAC #IOAD2020

There are so many options out there. How do you know what you want to do? Career exploration is a way to learn about the types of jobs that exist, what kind of skills or training you need and if they are in demand. Staff at the Employment Resource Centre (ERC) can help, so give them a call at (519)436-1123 or email [email protected]

Employers are hiring. The Community Job Board can help you find them. Use the Community Job Board (CJB) to find local job postings , links to community resources, and have local jobs emailed directly to you! Visit: www.chatham-kent.ca/jobs for more information or to sign up for job alerts. For assistance please call 519.436.1123 or email at [email protected] Your future is just a click away!

Homes 4 Youth is just one of the many ways CK CARES is working to end homelessness in Chatham-Kent. #ckont

The Community Job Board can deliver job opportunities right to your inbox! Use the Community Job Board (CJB) to find local job postings , links to community resources, and to have local jobs emailed directly to you! Visit: www.chatham-kent.ca/jobs for more information or to sign up for job alerts For assistance please contact the CJB experts at 519.436.1123 or email at [email protected] Your future is just a click away!

Effective today, the Municipal By-Law goes into effect as an additional measure against Covid-19. If you are coming to the Health & Family Services building and don't have a mask, one can be provided to you. For more information please visit https://ckphu.com Stay safe!

Did you know the Community Resource Navigators have helped over 3,200 people since the program started in 2018? Chances are they have helped you, or someone you know. The supportive and caring Community Resource Navigators (CRN) can help you with identification, accessing community supports, completing online forms, and so much more! You can reach the CRNs Monday to Friday (8:30 am -4:30 pm) at 519.355.1380 or by emailing them at [email protected] ... The help you need is a phone call (or email) away.

CK Rec 'Camp in a Box' will be back again next Monday with Space Is The Place. Visit CKRec Virtual Hub at https://www.chatham-kent.ca//summ/camp-in-a-box-activities

Some good information for laid off workers here with CERB ending soon...

Our doors may be closed, but we are still here to help with your job searching needs! Our supportive staff at the Employment Resource Centre (ERC) cant wait to work with you to create, update, or review your resume; support your job search; and share valuable insight into the local labour market. The ERC is open Monday to Friday (8:30 am noon, and 1:00pm -4:30pm) Give them a call at 519-436-1123 or email them at [email protected] to see how they can support you on your job search journey. Your next job awaits!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead E&SS and CK Cares are working hard every day to change lives and end homelessness in our community. www.caeh.ca

Community Navigators are here to assist all citizens connect with local community services. If you need help, please call 519-354-2940 or visit the Chatham Public Library web page at https://www.chatham-kent.ca//u/community-resource-advisors

Our debit machine is now working at the CKESS payment window.

Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services has assisted over 325 low income and vulnerable households keep cool this summer by providing money to purchase a new, energy star certified air conditioner. There is still time to apply! Contact Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services at 519-351-8573 option 0.

Currently our debit machine is down at the CKESS payment window. Our ITS is working to resolve this outage and we will update you when the machine is working again.

CKTransit riders are required to wear a face covering prior to entering the bus and continue to wear it until they exit the bus. Practice 2 metres distancing an...d good personal hygiene including frequent hand washing with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. To learn about face coverings and how to properly wear, fit, remove and clean your non-medical face mask, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/face-coverings-and-face-masks #CKTransit #ckont See more

The phones and computers are operational, thanks to our IT buddies! Its a scorcher out there so if you are in the neighbourhood of our main office at 435 Grand Ave W behind the courthouse, stop in for some cool air and water. All Covid-19 safety precautions are in place.

Our phones and internet at CKESS are not working properly at the moment. If you cannot get through, this is why. Our fabulous Information Technology department is working hard to resolve the issues. Stay tuned here for updates. Apologies for the inconvenience.

This below article is correct - if you are receiving Ontario Works Assistance and you have any expenses related to covid 19 (ie: extra cleaning supplies, extra transportations costs) you are eligible for up to $100 for a single person or $200 for a family. Call your worker ASAP and before month end. August 1st this fund will not be available. However, as always if you have any special expenses anytime, call your worker they may qualify under another benefit.

Subscribe to receive the latest job postings through the Chatham-Kent Municipal and Community Job Board. There are current posting for: Landscape Labourer Receptionist... Corn Detassling General Labour... and more!! Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/community-services/jobs

Effective Wednesday July 22nd, CK Transit will remove the seating limit on buses. Ridership has increased as CK enters Stage 3 of Ontario's Re-opening Plan. For more information, please visit www.chatham-kent.ca/community-services/transportation or call 519-360-1998

'Camp In A Box' is a hit so don't miss out! Registration starts today!! Call 519-360-1998. Find all the details at https://www.chatham-kent.ca/parks-recreation//camp-in-a-box

CK Cares (Chatham-Kent Coordinated Assessment, Referral and Evaluation Services) is a system that streamlines access to housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness. CK Cares is a partnership of agencies including E&SS, Salvation Army, CMHA, the CK Womens Centre and the House of Sophrosyne. Since opening we have permanently housed 41 individuals and families!!... This cannot have been achieved without our community partners including Rock Missions, The United Way, EMS, CKPS, First Strategy Table, LIHN, the RAAM Clinic and CKPHU. Homelessness effects all of us and requires a coordinated response. We are working each and every day to change lives in our community.