What are Community Navigators?
The Community Navigator program is a partnership between Employment and Social Services (ESS) and the Chatham Kent Public Libraries (CKPL). The Community Navigators assist residents of Chatham-Kent with navigating systems (Housing, Education, Employment, and Income), working with technology, and connecting with supportive community services. Working together, CKPL and ESS are able to bring these services to all residents of Chatham Kent through the 11 branches of the library.
Who does a Community Navigator help?
Community Navigators are able to assist anyone in the Chatham-Kent Community who may be looking for support and services free of charge.
What does a Community Navigator do?
- Provide one to one instruction in accessing government, social and health services online
- Provide referrals to other social services, employment and educational programs in the community
- Assist patrons with completing applications for government programs and benefits
- Completing personal income tax returns for qualifying low-income residents
- Employment Support:
- Create, edit, copy and proofread resumes
- The development of a cover letter
- Complete online job applications
- Interview information and preparation support
- Assistance with research on potential employers
- Finding and understanding Labour Market information
- Deliver workshops and clinics including the Rent Smart program and I.D. clinics
- Provides computers to qualifying low-income youth, families and eligible charitable and non-profit organizations via the Computer Connects program
How can I connect with a Community Navigator?
Please contact the Community Navigators to book an appointment to meet.
Services are available virtually, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm by calling 519-355-1380
or emailing CKCN@chatham-kent.ca.
Community Navigators are at the Chatham-Kent Public Library Chatham and Wallaceburg branches.
They are available at all other branches by appointment only. Please note that library hours may change due to holiday schedules.
Chatham Branch
120 Queen Street, Chatham, ON N7M2G5
Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Wallaceburg Branch
209 James Street, Wallaceburg, ON N8A2N4
Monday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Community Navigator Programs
Volunteer Income Tax Programs
Low-income residents struggle to meet their most basic needs let alone have the financial means to pay for their income tax to be filed. Residents face other barriers such as access to technology, difficulty with document collection, form completion, and navigating complicated processes. As a result, many of these residents risk missing out on access to important income-tested benefits including the Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security; Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Working Income Tax Benefit and GST/HST credit. Through the Income Tax Program, Community Navigators are able to assist residents who may not have otherwise completed their income tax returns with the completion of simple income tax returns, free of charge. The Income Tax Program is available year-round.
Computer Connections
Without internet access and a computer, finding information or a job or applying for other benefits can be extremely challenging. Community Navigators are able to assist low-income youth or families and qualifying and non-profit and charitable organizations with access to refurbished computers at no cost. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Community Navigators are able to provide those most in need with a refurbished computer.
CKConnect Bookable Workspace
The Connect CK bookable workspace located at 435 Grand Ave. W. Chatham can be reserved at no cost for virtual and in-person meetings or appointments for medical care, social services, court services, employment resources, community navigation and more. The room offers both phone and computer access Monday to Friday between 8:30am – 4:00pm for a maximum of 2 hours per day per person.
The room can be booked up to 7 days in advance by contacting a Community Navigators at 519-355-1380 or emailing CKCN@chatham-kent.ca.
CK Public Library Quiet Pods
Quiet Pods can be found at the Chatham and Wallaceburg library branches. To book a Quiet Pod contact the Chatham-Kent Public Library at 519-354-2940 or email CKlibrary@chatham-kent.ca.
The Connect CK bookable workspace and Quite Pods have been brought to you in partnership with Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team and the Chatham-Kent Public Library.
Rent Smart
Rent Smart provides education and support to tenants and landlords with one goal: Successful Tenancies. Successful tenancies are key to building strong communities, increasing housing stability and preventing homelessness.
