As of March 31st, R.O.C.K. will see a change in funding amounts as our current grant, which has allowed us to implement some significant growth and success, comes to an end. Gratefully we are moving forward with an Emergency Treatment Funding in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, which allows us to continue to do such vital work in the community.

With changes in funding come changes in programming. Please continue reading to learn about the decisions affecting R.O.C.K. operations, effective April 1, 2025.

Recently we began to provide outreach 7 days per week, focused mainly on encampment and outdoor locations, with a secondary focus on congregate living situations. This allows us to have a more focused approach to how we engage our friends. As this has become the focus of our work, while still supporting our strong and exceptional Peer-2-Peer team, engaging People with Lived/Living Expertise, we have decided to implement the following:

• Our Chatham location is closing drop-in services, recognizing that our funding is specific to encampment and homelessness outreach, and community impact/training in relation to opioid emergency response. The exception to this change is our Pathways 2 Care clinic, and engagement with the Street Health team from Windsor, so R.O.C.K. will continue to open the doors Wednesdays for drop-in from 1-5PM.
• Wallaceburg Drop-In will now close each Wednesday for drop-in, as we serve the community through outreach that day. Drop-in hours will remain Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1-5.

To our community and partners – We are still committed to being the strong community partner that we are. We recognize the impact that we have had on our ability to work with you, and for you, in engaging those experiencing homelessness. While, currently, we must make decisions based on funding, our resolve to serve as effectively as we can has not changed. And our commitment to working as collaboratively as possible with each of you has not changed. We appreciate your patience as we implement these changes and appreciate your support.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions, we would be happy to have a conversation with you.