WINTER IS COMING.
As we move into Autumn and officially begin our preparations for winter, we send our gratitude to everyone who continues to support our work. Visible houselessness is now a permanent reality for most communities in Canada, and Chatham-Kent is no exception. This year we will have more people living outdoors than ever before, and that brings deep concerns for the well-being and safety for all our street friends. As a community of caring citizens we will continue to support those living without shelter, and welcome all who are willing to take this journey with us. We feel the love and concern joining ours from all over Chatham-Kent, and know we are uplifted by your constant encouragement.
Renee Geniole
Renee Geniole, Executive Director
R.O.C.K.’s Fall 50/50 Raffle is now LIVE!
R.O.C.K. is running another 50/50 raffle until November 1st! All proceeds from this raffle will help us continue and grow our operations, and further support our friends in the community in the challenging cold months ahead.
Click here to buy your tickets now!
A winner will be drawn at 8PM on November 1st.
YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK
When you donate to R.O.C.K., you directly support the people we serve. Our two drop-in centres, outreach programs and harm reduction supplies are vital to the community. High engagement shows their importance in Chatham-Kent. The value these services provide to the community is immeasurable, the cost to sustain them is significant. Every donation helps us meet the growing demand for support.
WHAT IS HARM REDUCTION? PEER-LED AWARENESS WORKSHOPS
R.O.C.K.’s Peer-2-Peer team offers peer-led informational workshops on topics such as:
- Harm reduction
- Opioid poisoning prevention and response
- Naloxone training
- Stigma/language training
If your workplace, organization or group is interested in learning about one or more of these topics, please contact ck@reachoutck.com or call 226-627-6163.
R.O.C.K.’S 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE
On July 17th, we celebrated R.O.C.K.’s 5th anniversary as an organization, as well as our 1-year anniversary at our drop-in centre located at 39 Richmond Street in Chatham. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, toured our space, took the time to learn about R.O.C.K. and the impactful work our team does in the community. To each and every person who has supported R.O.C.K. over the past five years, we couldn’t have done it without you!
INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY
R.O.C.K. held two events at our drop-in centres in Chatham and Wallaceburg on August 29th in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day. This event provided a time of connection, where we reunited with old friends, met new ones, and listened to powerful stories of how drug poisonings have impacted lives. R.O.C.K. collaborated with The Co. to create an interactive art piece for the event, allowing people to make butterflies in honor of those lost or affected by drug poisonings. Together, we honor and remember.
R.O.C.K. PARTNERS WITH CK ONTARIO HEALTH TEAM FOR PATHWAY2CARE PROJECT
Pathway2Care (P2C) is a collaborative initiative designed to support individuals experiencing houselessness in Chatham-Kent by providing person-centered, holistic care. The P2C program hopes to improve care transitions from hospital to community for adults experiencing houselessness. P2C focuses on individuals who are at high risk of hospital readmission. Pathway2Care is delivered through a multidisciplinary team that includes Peer-2-Peer Leaders (R.O.C.K.), Community Paramedics and Housing Workers. To learn more contact Laura MacDougald at laura.macdougald@ckoht.ca.
Upcoming Events And Important Dates
November 14th 4PM-7PM
Wallaceburg Drop-In Open House
233 Nelson Street, Wallaceburg