These are the numbers that should matter.
It's not about growth - it's about affordability.
We can't expect prosperity when half of us are living in poverty.
As of early 2026, approximately 228 people were experiencing homelessness in Chatham-Kent, representing a 171% increase since December 2019.
A large portion of that population live in encampments, Nearby residents are forced to contend with lowered property values, worries surrounding theft and vandalism, concerns with open drug use, and some don't feel safe in their formerly family-friendly neighbourhoods.
This has also placed an increased strain on our police and emergency first responders, only adding to the cost associated with not solving the actual root problem.
We're now nearing the end of 2026, and those numbers continue to grow while our ability to solve the problem seems even further from reach.
Even with multiple organizations, all under the "CK Cares" umbrella, we housed forty-six LESS people in 2025 versus 2022.
1 in 4
A quarter of households are food insecure in Chatham-Kent, forcing reliance on volunteer organizations
These are only reported numbers, and numbers of people who access the programs that require registration. Many, MANY more bellies go to bed hungry here.
7,900
The number of people expected to be CURRENTLY experiencing housing instability in Chatham-Kent
If 2024 predictions of a 14% increase in the number of social assistance recipients is accurate, this number is huge. We're not even accounting for those who don't qualify for social assistance, like those on other fixed incomes.
4,265
The number of individuals ROCK Missions has connected with experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty
This number far-exceeds what we see relating to our unhoused population, indicating a much deeper issue. If they're not on the streets yet, how close are they?
112%
The increase in rental rates from 2018 ($705) and today ($1500) for a one-bedroom apartment in Chatham Kent
This is higher than both London and Windsor, if we want to talk about it.
41,595
How many residents of Chatham-Kent earn less-than $40,000 per year
Why does this matter? Because anything less-than $1000 per month can't even rent a room, let-alone an apartment.
Financial struggles are one of the leading causes of divorce, domestic violence, depression and stress. It's no wonder we're here.
$529,963
Financial assistance provided to CK residents in 2025 to prevent homelessness
And somehow, we're still arguing over spending an upwards-of $250-million on an arena less-than half our population can afford to visit.