Red Cross winding down McNaughton Avenue fire emergency evacuation centre

The Canadian Red Cross is winding down the emergency evacuation centre set up in Chatham-Kent to help house people displaced in a recent fire, the municipality announced on Wednesday.

The centre has been operating for nearly two weeks since the fire at 99 McNaughton Ave. W. in late August.It will wind down on Thursday, the municipality says.

"We want to thank the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Red Cross for assisting Chatham-Kent with this emergency and we want to extend our thanks to the many other CK residents who are providing temporary stays to their friends and family members at this time," said Josh Myers, director of housing services.

"As the emergency stabilizes, we are transitioning into a prolonged effort to assist the residents of 99 McNaughton. Staff will continue to work with all tenants until they are able to return to their homes."

The fireat a gear-to-income apartment building forced more than 100 people out of their home.Police have charged one person, and are now looking for a second,after theAug. 25 apartment fire.

13 households registered to attend centre

According to the municipality, the decision to open the centre was made on Aug. 28 when it became clear that there were not enough hotel rooms to meet demand from residents displaced by the fire.

Since opening on Aug. 30, a total of 13 households registered to attend the centre.

The municipality says the remaining tenants who were previously in need have secured housing with friends and family. It says the centre has assisted Chatham-Kent with responding to the surge in need that came with this emergency and has given the municipality time to secure housing for 35 households.

People who are staying with the Red Crossin the evacuation centre will continue to be assisted with short-term emergency housing while staff continue to make longer-term arrangements, the municipality said, adding that housing services staff have reached out to all impacted tenants to advise them of this change.

Should any tenant need emergency housing due to their current placement ending, they are asked to connect with their case manager or to contact the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6628. Tenants will be connected with Victoria Park Place and prioritized for a shelter stay as soon as one becomes available.